Jewellery Business Goes Online

These days many businesses are marketing their products and services online. They have come to realise they can reach out to a larger audience. The potential to increase their revenue is enormous. In the last few years, many “traditional” businesses have begun to jump on the Internet bandwagon. Amongst them are jewellery shops. You still have shop owners who sell their jewellery in stores and some of them now also sell their wares on the internet. Yes, now you can easily purchase certified loose diamonds, diamond engagement rings, wedding rings and even diamond solitaire rings.

With the potential for scams a real worry, the thought of buying loose diamonds and diamond jewellery seems almost outrageous. Think about it. This is not a book or a plant you are buying. However, you actually can purchase diamonds online, without any problems – as long as you are careful.

When you first think of diamonds, the price is the first factor which comes to your mind. Whether you are aware or not of the other characteristics of a diamond (cut,colour,clarity,carat), the price is the first thing to think about. For that very reason, many people prefer to make a purchase online opposed to making a purchase from a local jewellery store. Due to low overhead costs, the online jeweller and wholesaler is able to offer an attractive lower price.
One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. You could look at over a hundred websites to make a selection compared to a limited selection in stores. Also, you are able to compare prices with a click of a button compared to spending hours walking around in malls.

Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds such as their cut, clarity, colour and carat. All this information is readily available on the Internet. The reason this is important is because when you look at the price of the diamond, you are aware that the 4C’s have been taken into consideration. The last thing you want to be is caught out buying certified loose diamonds or diamond engagement rings which are overpriced.

It is very easy to purchase diamonds from among the first few websites you visit. Instead, once something has caught your fancy, compare it with other similar diamonds for sale. The prices should be similar. (However, do not be surprised if there is a large difference because the 4C’s are taken into consideration when a diamond is valued whether it is a certified loose diamond or diamond engagement rings or diamond solitaire rings.

You are ready to make your purchase but WAIT! You need to find out a little about the seller. So many people are eager to make that purchase but end of with a dud piece of jewellery.

You need to check out the sellers credentials. Look out for the contact details on the website. Look for a physical address. If there is a contact number, give it a ring. You are not playing detective but it is an advantage to know who you are dealing with if you are to part with a few hundred or thousands of dollars. See if the seller is part of any jewellery association and what/if any professional background they have. Very importantly, print out the refund/return policy. Find out if they have services which include, mounting/setting of the diamond jewellery, different sizes and cost of shipping.

Something which people forget to ask about is a diamond certificate. (Many jewellers agree it is the 5th C.) This shows that the diamond is certified by a recognised body like GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS.) You should see this before you make the purchase especially if it is a costly diamond like diamond solitaire rings. Another thing which people do is come to an agreement with the seller to send the diamond to an “external diamond appraiser”. (There may be a small fee). The appraiser will make sure that what the seller is promising to sell you is the real deal. If all checks out, then you get in touch with the seller, make the payment and they will in turn get in touch with the appraiser to release the diamond jewellery to you.

It may all seem too hard but you will be surprised to learn the number of people buying diamonds online have increased dramatically. You never know, the next diamond engagement rings in your family may be bought online!

About the Author
Caroline Melkonian is the Director of Diamonds by Moonlight. She has completed her Associate Diploma of Business (Marketing) at Holmesglen TAFE and Retail Diamond Consultancy course at the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA). With more than 10 years of experience in diamond industry has helped many people save money and achieve their dream of obtaining a diamond and turning it into their desired piece of jewellery. Diamonds by Moonlight is a company that prides itself on Quality, Honesty, Reliability and Trust. For more information, visit www.diamondmoonlight.com.au