I'm considering purchasing a ring with three certified diamonds from www.diamondsafe.com. In general, is it a good idea to purchase online? I'm a little wary (even though the site seems very reputable) because I'll not be dealing with a human face-to-face. Also, what if I have some warranty issues, or (heaven forbid!) the ring is damaged in shipping?! So, what advice can anyone give regarding purchasing online? Please give your qualifications when responding (e.g. "I'm a jeweler," "I recently purchased a ring," "I don't much about it, but my opinion is..."). Thanks a lot!
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Purchasing diamonds online
Started by nomoreself, Apr 20 2004 07:54 AM
2 replies to this topic
#2
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- Member
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- 6 posts
Bronze
Posted 21 April 2004 - 05:21 PM
Hi...
I just made an online diamond purchase, and I was every bit as nervous about it as you are. I did LOTS of research before making the purchase, and, while I'm no diamond expert, I consider myself an educated consumer. First, if you haven't already done so, visit Diamond Helpers (www.diamondhelpers.com), and take a look at the "How to Buy a Diamond on the Internet" tutorial. It's immensely helpful. In the meantime, make sure that the dealer offers a reasonable return policy. Allow yourself at least two weeks to make a final decision, and watch out for high "restocking fees" for returns. If you're worried about damage to the ring while in transit, ask the dealer how it will be packed for shipping, and make sure that shipping charges include insurance. Once you receive the ring, have it evaluated by an independent appraiser to make sure it's exactly what you intended to buy. I've heard that Accredited Gem Appraisers (www.gemappraisers.com) is a very reputable outfit with an entire department devoted to Internet purchases. You can also visit the American Gem Society's website (www.ags.org) to obtain list of certified independent gem appraisers in the United States. A good Internet dealer will agree to send the ring directly to the appraiser (you'll be responsible for the evaluation and appraisal fees as well as the costs associated with shipping the item from the appraiser to you). Some companies won't require payment until after the appraiser has looked at the item. Finally, it's never a bad idea to research the company's reputation. Check to see if the company is listed with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) and, if so, whether there are any consumer complaints on file. You might also be able to find customer reviews of the company on the Internet. If the dealer is shady, you can bet there are angry customers out there who have posted their tirades online. So...I guess the lesson is that there's nothing inherently risky about buying a diamond through the Internet as long as you take care to cover all your bases. For what it's worth, I'm very happy with my Internet diamond purchase. Good luck!
I just made an online diamond purchase, and I was every bit as nervous about it as you are. I did LOTS of research before making the purchase, and, while I'm no diamond expert, I consider myself an educated consumer. First, if you haven't already done so, visit Diamond Helpers (www.diamondhelpers.com), and take a look at the "How to Buy a Diamond on the Internet" tutorial. It's immensely helpful. In the meantime, make sure that the dealer offers a reasonable return policy. Allow yourself at least two weeks to make a final decision, and watch out for high "restocking fees" for returns. If you're worried about damage to the ring while in transit, ask the dealer how it will be packed for shipping, and make sure that shipping charges include insurance. Once you receive the ring, have it evaluated by an independent appraiser to make sure it's exactly what you intended to buy. I've heard that Accredited Gem Appraisers (www.gemappraisers.com) is a very reputable outfit with an entire department devoted to Internet purchases. You can also visit the American Gem Society's website (www.ags.org) to obtain list of certified independent gem appraisers in the United States. A good Internet dealer will agree to send the ring directly to the appraiser (you'll be responsible for the evaluation and appraisal fees as well as the costs associated with shipping the item from the appraiser to you). Some companies won't require payment until after the appraiser has looked at the item. Finally, it's never a bad idea to research the company's reputation. Check to see if the company is listed with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) and, if so, whether there are any consumer complaints on file. You might also be able to find customer reviews of the company on the Internet. If the dealer is shady, you can bet there are angry customers out there who have posted their tirades online. So...I guess the lesson is that there's nothing inherently risky about buying a diamond through the Internet as long as you take care to cover all your bases. For what it's worth, I'm very happy with my Internet diamond purchase. Good luck!
#3
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- Member
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- 15 posts
Gold
Posted 27 April 2004 - 01:05 PM
Qualifications: NiceIce.com - Dealer.
Buying a diamond on-line is a fairly safe and easy process with your satisfaction practically guaranteed if you do a little homework before initiating the transaction.
1. Read... Read... Read all of those tutorials that are available on so many sites...
2. Decide what characteristics are important to you and look for a diamond with those exact characteristics. If you don't find what you are looking for, ask a reputable dealer to help you find it.
3. Contact the Jewelers Vigilance Committee in NYC at (212) 997-2002 before sending any money to the dealer and inquire as to whether the dealer you are considering working with has any complaints filed against them by the trade or by the public. The JVC is kind of like our Better Business Bureau but they actually have teeth...
4. Get a written copy of the money back guarantee being offered by the dealer even if all you do is print down a copy of the guarantee as stated on the web site. Better is a written statement by the dealer detailing the item being purchased and the terms of the guarantee even if it is as simple as a statement along the lines of "description of item" is covered under the provisions of our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee as outlined at [url="http://www.niceice.com/guarantee.htm"][url]http://www.niceice.com/guarantee.htm[/url][/url] etc.
5. We STRONGLY suggest that you ONLY work with a dealer who actually has possession of the diamond being offered as opposed to a company which merely re-publishes the multiple listing service of 50,000+ stones because virtual dealers don't usually see the diamonds that they sell and that means that they really can't accurately represent the diamond to you... How can they really / accurately describe a diamond which they have never seen. Find a dealer who is willing to bring the diamond you are interested in for physical evaluation and who will provide you with detailed clarity photographs and a complete proportions analysis before making a purchase. You can determine whether a diamond dealer is working off of "virtual inventory" by seeing whether you can find the same diamond listed on other web sites, in which case, those web sites are re-publishing the same list and hoping that you'll bite.
6. Have the diamond evaluated by an independent GIA Graduate Gemologist prior to purchase or shortly thereafter to ensure that you have received the diamond you intended to purchase. This is for your peace of mind and protection.
Robin & Todd Gray
[url="http://www.niceice.com"]NiceIce.com[/url]
Buying a diamond on-line is a fairly safe and easy process with your satisfaction practically guaranteed if you do a little homework before initiating the transaction.
1. Read... Read... Read all of those tutorials that are available on so many sites...
2. Decide what characteristics are important to you and look for a diamond with those exact characteristics. If you don't find what you are looking for, ask a reputable dealer to help you find it.
3. Contact the Jewelers Vigilance Committee in NYC at (212) 997-2002 before sending any money to the dealer and inquire as to whether the dealer you are considering working with has any complaints filed against them by the trade or by the public. The JVC is kind of like our Better Business Bureau but they actually have teeth...
4. Get a written copy of the money back guarantee being offered by the dealer even if all you do is print down a copy of the guarantee as stated on the web site. Better is a written statement by the dealer detailing the item being purchased and the terms of the guarantee even if it is as simple as a statement along the lines of "description of item" is covered under the provisions of our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee as outlined at [url="http://www.niceice.com/guarantee.htm"][url]http://www.niceice.com/guarantee.htm[/url][/url] etc.
5. We STRONGLY suggest that you ONLY work with a dealer who actually has possession of the diamond being offered as opposed to a company which merely re-publishes the multiple listing service of 50,000+ stones because virtual dealers don't usually see the diamonds that they sell and that means that they really can't accurately represent the diamond to you... How can they really / accurately describe a diamond which they have never seen. Find a dealer who is willing to bring the diamond you are interested in for physical evaluation and who will provide you with detailed clarity photographs and a complete proportions analysis before making a purchase. You can determine whether a diamond dealer is working off of "virtual inventory" by seeing whether you can find the same diamond listed on other web sites, in which case, those web sites are re-publishing the same list and hoping that you'll bite.
6. Have the diamond evaluated by an independent GIA Graduate Gemologist prior to purchase or shortly thereafter to ensure that you have received the diamond you intended to purchase. This is for your peace of mind and protection.
Robin & Todd Gray
[url="http://www.niceice.com"]NiceIce.com[/url]
