Considering all of the possible chances for scams concerning diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unimaginable! Even so, you absolutely can acquire diamonds online, with no problems as long as you are careful. First, consider your reasons for wanting to buy the diamond online, contrary to making a purchase from a local jewelry outlet. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer reduced prices. However, you should be wary, because sometimes a price that is too low is a possible indication of a scam. One of the excellent things about purchasing diamonds online is the unconstrained selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the choices in the stores in your general location. Online, there are no such limits. But again, you must use a great deal of care and attentiveness prior to handing your cash over to someone that you cannot see and have never met in person. Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds - specifically cut, clarity, color and carat weight. When you know more about diamonds, it will be that much more difficult for an unscrupulous merchant to rip you off. When you know significantly more about diamonds, you will then be prepared to start shopping in earnest. Take your time. Don't purchase the first diamond you see that interests you. Instead, look for diamonds that are very similar but are priced lower. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest prices. Once you have found the best price, start your investigation. Now you know about diamonds, you've found a diamond that you love, and you've found the lowest price... but you are still quite a ways from actually purchasing that new diamond or piece of jewelry. Ask about the seller's credentials. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Be sure to check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints lodged against them. You'll want to know any professional jeweler associations they belong to. View and print the seller's return and refund policy, as well as their upgrade policy. Also, inquire about additional services, such as providing settings and mountings, sizing rings, and free shipping. Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory, such as GIA, EGL, or AGS. These are organizations that are respected around the world in the gem industry. You need to see this before making a jewelry purchase that includes diamonds, such as diamond engagement rings. Lastly, use a trustworthy escrow service for high-priced diamonds and diamond jewelry - preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their keeping. The merchant sends the gem to the escrow company, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond independently appraised, sends the diamond to you, and forwards the money you've paid to the seller. This is the surest way to shield yourself. Again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service that you've also vetted for security and excellent business practices. I hope you have gotten some good ideas from this article and that you are able to use them in preparation for your upcoming diamond purchase. Remember, always investigate the diamond merchant's credentials and any complaints filed with the local Better Business Bureau. If you still have a nagging little voice telling you something's wrong, you should move on and check out another seller. John Schwartz (all rights reserved) |
