With more and more online jewellers popping up by the day, and diamonds, especially, being viewed as a commodity, many people tend to overlook the importance of the actual online jeweller and what to look out for. But, it is important, when shopping for an engagement ring online, that you choose your merchant just as carefully as you would choose that special ring.
- Who Is the Jeweller?
Firstly, is the jeweller a brick and mortar store with an online portal, an engagement ring wholesalers, or someone running a site from their basement? Is the jewellery brand sustainable and ethical like Coup De Coeur – a London based jeweller? These questions are important before you make your decision.
- Do They Belong to Any Associations?
Does the jeweller belong to any specific associations? For example, the Jeweller’s Association of Australia – one of the most respected organizations and it welcomes online jewellers.
- Do They Have What You Want In Stock?
Whilst having a large online inventory is a big benefit, make sure that the jeweller has the ring you want in stock. They should also educate you about diamonds and the metals used for the ring.
- Do They Have the Right Tools to Make Online Sales?
The proper tools include pretty much everything from photographic equipment, shopping carts, online payment facilities, and even a diamond calculator for estimating the light return of the ring’s diamond.
- Does the Jeweller Have Insurance?
Believe it or not, there are plenty of jewellers who don’t have insurance. If anything goes wrong with your ring and they are not insured, you could lose out on thousands of dollars.
- Are There Credit Card Fees?
Some merchants offer a discount for cash instead of paying by credit card. This reflects the savings you could make when buying your engagement ring from a trustworthy jeweller like The Beautiful Company.
- Are There Any Other Payment Terms?
There are a variety of payment terms that could help you buy the ring you really want. Some jewellers offer six month’s interest free via a finance company.
- Is the Jeweller Local?
If the online jeweller is located close to you and has a brick and mortar store, then you can also pop in and receive the service you need, but also enjoy the competitive world of online pricing.
- Do They Offer Verification Certificates?
If you want a verification certificate from a lab, it can be expensive and tough to organize on your own. Therefore, the jeweller should be able to assist you by sending the jewellery for verification.
- Is There a Return Policy?
Don’t just consider how many days you have to return the ring if you don’t like it, but also consider the procedure for returns. Make sure you feel that they are fair and that you will not be liable for any loss should you need to return the ring. Some merchants may require you to arrange your own shipping, but if they have a local drop-off point, it makes returns much easier.
Use these 10 tips when selecting an online jeweller to buy a diamond engagement ring from.
