Three Things To Check Before You Shop For Diamonds Online
If you buy household products online, book trips online, and even order your groceries through your computer or mobile device, it may seem a bit archaic to visit a physical store when you wish to buy a piece of diamond jewelry. However, doing so is always a good idea, as you'll work with trained and friendly staff who can guide you through the process of shopping for a diamond. If you really want to do this shopping online, there are plenty of reputable online jewelers — and, unfortunately, some that aren't as reputable. Given the magnitude of your purchase, you need to be sure that you're shopping with the right seller. Here are some things that you should check.
GIA Certification
Whenever you encounter a seller's website, the first thing that you should do is look for a sign that the seller is certified through the Gemological Institute of America. Certification through this governing organization can immediately indicate the legitimacy of a seller. The GIA also sets standards by which diamonds are graded, so you know if you a seller is telling you that a diamond has a certain carat weight, this number is accurate. Technically, any online store can write that it has GIA certification, so if you have any doubt, you should contact the GIA for confirmation.
Ease Of Communication
You can tell a lot about an online diamond vendor by how easily you can communicate with him or her. Reputable sellers provide numerous ways of getting in touch — the website will list a phone number, email address, and may even have a physical address if the store has a physical store, too. When you call the phone number, you should be able to tell that you're speaking to a business by the way the person answers the phone. If you leave a message, someone should call you back promptly, as would be the case upon calling any reputable business.
Online Reviews
You'll feel better about shopping for a diamond from an online retailer if you can find a number of online reviews that offer good comments. Search for the website's name to see what people are saying about it on independent review sites. You may also wish to search for the vendor through the Better Business Bureau to assess its rating. You shouldn't be intimidated about shopping for a diamond online, but you should take your time to find the right seller.