Buying Diamonds Online
Buying a diamond online may have once been unthinkable, but now people do it everyday. With the advent of eBay, Amazon and other reputable online sources, diamond and gemstones purchases online are routine.
Still the potential for scams concerning diamonds and buying diamonds online has to cross your mind. However, you can purchase diamonds online, without any problems - as long as you are careful.
First, think about your reasons for wanting to purchase the diamond online, as opposed to making a purchase from a local jewelry store. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However, you must be careful - sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam. Of course,if you pay through Paypal or a reputable escrow service you have methods to getting a refund.
One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the inventory in the stores in your general area. But Online, there are no limits, sources from around the country and around the world are at your fingertips. But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!
Take your time. Don't purchase the first diamond that you see that interests you. Instead, search for similar diamonds for sale. By doing some comparison shopping you can find the lowest prices. Or confirm that the first diamond you discovered is indeed a bargain. Once you have found the lowest price on the kind of diamnd you want, more investigation is needed.
Ask about the seller's credentials, such as professional jewelry associations that they belong to. View and print the seller's return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Also check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints. On sites such as eBay you can check the seller's feedback ratings.
Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You should see this before making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar diamonds - preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. How do escrow services work? The seller sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This is the surest way to protect yourself... again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service!
About the Author: Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, Harvest The Sun | Renewable Energy, Grilled To Perfection - Barbecue, Dieting Help | Move More - Eat Less, and On The Hook | Fishing Supplies.
News About Buying Diamonds Online
GSC Solutions Inc. Launches Online Gay Pride Shopping Store San Francisco Chronicle (press release) The online store sells a variety of gay pride products and merchandise including bath and body care, Herbal candles, December Diamonds Christmas ornaments, refrigerator magnets, jewelry, accessories, outdoor décor and more. |
 CNBC.com | Diamond Investing Not for Faint of Heart CNBC.com “Your ability to get a good price for that diamond would be a lot less than mine because I have more access to buyers and sellers and traders.” Indeed, there are few vehicles for investing in diamonds. There are no futures or ETFs [cnbc explains] for ... |
Bargain Advocate: This Valentine's Day, swap the diamonds for Scrabble Fremont News Messenger Don't buy gifts (but don't blame the Bargain Advocate if you get in trouble). If you and your Valentine come to a mutual agreement not to purchase something for one another, you can both feel better about not having spent the money. |
What women really want on Valentine's Day Examiner.com Forget buying diamonds, 2-dozen roses, and standing in line at a fancy chocolatier. Women really want you to spend quality time together with them on Valentine's. Plain and simple. Online dating site eHarmony asked over 350 women about what gifts ... |
RealeyeZ: 3D Animation Will Transform E-commerce DigitalJournal.com (press release) At the time the idea that consumers would buy diamonds online was considered outrageous. But Rubin invested heavily in what he accurately forecasted as consumer eventual preference for viewing diamond jewellery in 3D animation. |
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