7 Questions You Should Ask Before Buying Fine Jewellery

Guest Blog from Tori & Taz Jewellery Co.

Fine Jewellery is jewellery made of precious metals (gold and silver), and GIA rated gems from diamonds to rubies and beyond adorn fine jewellery. Trust is one of the most crucial elements when it comes to buying Fine Jewellery online, but how do you know if you can really trust the business you’re buying from? We’ve put together a list of questions that will help you shop with confidence when purchasing diamond jewellery online.

 

1. Is the online seller trustworthy?

Before you consider spending your hard-earned cash on a new piece of Fine Jewellery, be sure to do your homework on the seller.  What kind of expertise and accreditation do they have? Is it easy to contact the seller, and are they knowledgeable when you get a hold of them? Trust is particularly important when it comes to buying Fine Jewellery because gemstones and diamonds come with their own ‘lingo’. To fully understand the true quality and value of diamonds and gemstones takes experience and a well-trained eye, a deep understanding of the market and where the stones were sourced. Be wary of sellers who can’t answer questions about the origin of stones, give details on their quality and whether they might be treated or not.  Your questions are important – everything you ask matters, and there are no stupid questions.

 

2. How does the seller handle diamond certificates and appraisals?

You should never buy a diamond without a third-party certificate from a respected independent gem laboratory (for example the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI)). Diamonds are complex – there are many different attributes to a diamond that affect their beauty and their rarity, but also their price.

3. What is the seller's return policy?

A company should stand by their product quality and if you feel that the jewellery you received is not what you ordered or what you were promised, then you should be able to return or exchange it. 

 

4. Do you know exactly what you’re getting?

When selecting an already-made piece of jewellery online, be sure to carefully read the product descriptions. If you aren’t satisfied with the images or information the seller has made available, contact them and ask them for more. A good seller will know the specifications of the diamonds and gemstones they are selling to you. 

 

5. Are you satisfied with the answers to your questions?

A good seller will happily and knowledgeably answer all of your questions. Don’t know what to ask, just say that and the seller can explain everything to you. Buying Fine Jewellery is a daunting process, and a seller knows their job is partially to educate you throughout the process. Buy online makes it even more difficult without any face-to-face contact and without seeing the product in person. A good seller will help you every step of the way.

 

6. How will the items be shipped to you?

You’ve finally pulled the trigger on your dream piece of Fine Jewellery, but have you checked how the item will get shipped to you? Make sure you are comfortable with the process and that the item will get delivered to a safe destination. The last thing you want is for your new treasure to ‘grow legs’ before it even finds its way into your front door.

 

7. How do you know that the price you’re being quoted on is fair?

Pricing of Fine Jewellery is a tricky one and can be rather confusing. As mentioned there are many variables that affect the price of Fine Jewellery. The good news is that with the advent of the internet and social media, consumers have tremendous power to do their own research and gain valuable knowledge to help empower their decision-making process.  Brush up on your 4C’s and do some comparative research. If the prices seem too good to be true, make sure to ask more questions and insist on seeing the diamond certificates (if applicable). Often there is a catch when Fine Jewellery is being sold far below market prices.  On the flip side, if the prices seem very high, ask the seller why – perhaps there is a logical explanation. Either way, research and asking questions will make you feel more comfortable during your Fine Jewellery shopping experience online.