After 2020 most businesses discovered the benefit of having an online store. Therefore, nowadays it’s easy to find almost anything (clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, art items, and so on) with a quick Google search.
But is online shopping really the way for everything?
Let’s take jewelry and accessories as an example. In this case, the in-store experience was priceless as you had the chance to see and try the items on the spot, while also asking opinions from your best friend(s) and recommendations from the salesperson.
There’s also the issue of trust. Quality jewelry is expensive and there are a lot of fraudsters out there, trying to sell you a knockoff for the price of an authentic piece. Moreover, professional photos can enhance the features of an item and make it look better or shinier than in real life.
Still, online shopping has its strong points as well. It is a lot more convenient to browse from the comfort and safety of your couch. Also, you have access to a wider range of products and have the chance to compare brands and producers without having the salesperson breathing down your neck.
So, to make sure your online shopping experience will be just as rewarding as the in-store experience, here are five tips to keep you safe when buying jewelry online:
Only Buy from Reputable Sellers
Nowadays, almost anyone can set up an e-commerce site that looks professional. But you have to look beyond the initial impression.
For instance, if you’d want to buy one of these ruby rings, you should first check for online reviews of the site and producer. Also, search the business name and contact details to see if you are dealing with a legit business.
Certification
All reliable sellers must provide a certification of authenticity for their gems and materials used for the items of jewelry on their site. Therefore, check their About or FAQ sections and see if there is any mention of the types of certificates they offer.
If they do, make sure the certificates are issued by an accredited agency like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the SGL. The certificate should be delivered with the product.
Shipping & Return Policy
The shipping and return policies are extremely important, especially if you’re buying expensive jewelry. For instance, the shipping should be insured for the value of the item you purchase. This way, if the item is damaged during shipping or is lost, you will be able to get your money back without too much of a hassle.
Additionally, the return policy is not always straightforward. Some sellers will accept returns for most of their products but have special conditions for some of their more expensive ones. Therefore, read it carefully, and if there’s something you don’t understand, talk to their customer support.
Know your Size
If you’ve ever shopped for clothes or shoes online, you know just how frustrating it can be to figure out if the item will fit you or not. Sadly, the same is real in the world of jewelry, especially if you’re buying rings.
Start by checking their sizing grid. This can be US sizing, European sizing, expressed in inches, millimeters, and others, so it’s important to understand everything correctly.
Design
Once you make sure the seller is reputable and the items are high-quality, it’s time to worry about the design. In most cases, online stores offer a wide variety of design options and the pictures are loyal to the product’s real features. However, make sure the items you want have several pictures, from different angles. It also helps if there’s a 360-degree depiction, but this is not mainstream on all online stores.
Overall, as long as the reviews from real customers are positive and the website offers certificates of authenticity, you should be safe buying online. After all, whether you’re looking for a gift for someone or you want to offer one to yourself, jewelry is a great option!
