It’s the 21st century, we can order food to our doors with a few clicks on our smartphone, and we’ve even got self-driving cars. That said, there’s one aspect of online shopping that has been slow to take hold: buying diamonds online.
So, is it safe to buy diamonds online?
The short answer: “Yes!” Here’s everything you need to know about buying diamonds online and how you can make the most of your online diamond buying experience.
History of Buying Diamonds Online
Online shopping has become such a deeply ingrained part of daily life that many of us don’t stop to appreciate the newness of online shopping. In 1979, online shopping was invented by Michael Aldrich. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that major retailers like Amazon and eBay would be established. In fact, it would take another 15 years for online shopping to become relatively commonplace.
The growth was spurred because retailers saw the financial benefits of moving to a primarily online storefront, and customers fell in love with the convenience of online shopping. In fact, Blue Nile was the first diamond retailer to set up a digital storefront back in 1999. However, making large purchases like this online was, and even is, still considered risky by some. Diamonds can cost thousands of dollars, and they are purchased for their physical looks. Customers want to feel secure in their transactions, meaning they’ll get a diamond that is exactly as described.
Diamond vendors have had to make a lot of strides to convince shoppers that it’s safe to purchase diamonds online. Still, many customers balk at the idea of making such an important purchase sight unseen. Regardless, the fact remains, it is safe to buy a diamond online when you do your due diligence.
Benefits of Buying a Diamond Online
There are several benefits to buying a diamond online. They include:
● Lower prices as vendors pass their savings on to consumers.
● More options to choose from including various vendors and a larger inventory.
● Insured shipping so you can be reimbursed if your package goes missing in transit.
● Extensive online reviews that you can search through to make an informed decision.
● Convenience as you can shop from anywhere.
● Less pressure to buy when you’re just browsing.
How to Make Sure You’re Safe Buying Diamonds Online
Though most online diamond retailers are 100% trustworthy, as with every industry, it’s important to do your due diligence when it comes to such a large purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about how to stay safe when buying diamonds online.
Choose a Quality Vendor
The vendor from which you choose to purchase your ring is the most important decision you’ll make during the process. You want to ensure that you find an established vendor that has a reputation for selling quality diamonds, excellent customer service, and comprehensive return policy. It’ll take some time to ensure that the vendor you choose to work with meets these criteria, but it’s worth the effort. Checking online reviews, researching the history of the vendor, and talking with a customer service representative before buying your diamond is crucial!
Make Sure Your Diamond is Certified
Diamonds that make their way into the jewelry industry have a paper trail. They don’t just turn up! These diamonds are evaluated by professional gemologists and assigned a grade based on how they perform in each of the following categories: cut, clarity, color, and carat. Make sure you receive a certificate regarding the diamond’s grade and an acknowledgment of the diamond’s authenticity from a reputable company such as the IGI or GIA.
Get Advice From Friends & Family
Chances are, you likely know someone who has purchased a diamond online. Ask around, post about it on Facebook, start a thread on Reddit, or send it in a family WhatsApp. A first-hand encounter will give you much more detail than a review and you might even be able to see the diamond jewelry that they purchased in-person.
Conclusion
In today’s day and age, we can order pretty much anything online — even cars! So why not take advantage of this luxury when it comes to diamond jewelry? With a bit of research, the benefits of buying diamonds online are just too good to pass up. So grab a cup of coffee (or a cocktail), your laptop, and your significant other, and start your diamond search today…in the comfort of your own home.
