Buying Diamonds Online

Purchase an Expensive Diamond Online?

Is It Safe To Buy Diamonds Online?

It is completely natural to be concerned about making such an expensive purchase via the Internet. Anybody would be, or at least should be, concerned. No matter how many pictures the seller shows you, you still have never actually seen the item you are buying and don’t know if he will be sending you the exact item or not. You have no idea who is really behind the slick site you are considering making your purchase through – is he reputable or is he a scam artist?

Buying Diamonds Online

Buying a diamond online is really no different than buying anything else online. Except for the fact that it costs so much more than the $200 camera you bought or the books and music from iTunes you often buy.

Though the truth is that when you buy books online you also do not want to be throwing away your money – you want to know you will be shipped the book you paid for, that it will be in good condition, new if you bought it new, and that you are getting what you paid for. You are taking a leap of faith every time you buy something online, simply because you do not really have direct contact with the seller.

With diamonds it is a bit different. The truth is that you are just as safe buying a diamond online, via an internet based diamond dealer, as you are buying diamonds in a store. Actually, I would say you are even safer buying it online than by buying it in a store. By “safer” I mean that you will be getting value for your money – not in the sense that in a store you will be scammed.

Scams in the diamond industry are a real concern, as much as they are in any industry. You might encounter a crooked diamond dealer. Most, however, are honest dealers. If you find a reputable dealer, you don’t have much to be concerned about.

Ask around, get recommendations, make sure the dealer is listed with the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT). Most of all, only buy diamonds with a certificate from one of the certifying agencies (and then get it independently verified with a diamond dealer to see that the stone matches the details on the certificate).

Buying online is pretty similar to buying a diamond in a store. The risks are all the same. The benefits though are far greater.

Better Prices

The value you get for buying online is far greater than the value you get buying in a store. Your prices are cheaper because the dealer does not have the tremendous overhead costs.

Better Selection

As well, you will almost always have a better selection to choose from. When you go into a store, you are limited to what the dealer has in stock. It might mean you have to settle for a more expensive diamond than what you intended to buy, perhaps you are settling and buying a lower quality diamond. You are stuck with what he has to offer. When you buy online, you have every option available to you. They take your order and find the stone you are looking for at their suppliers.

Other Benefits

Of course there are also the general benefits of anything you buy online rather than in a store – sales tax, convenience, not having to be hounded by a salesman, etc.

So, yes, as long as you are buying from a reputable dealer, it is safe to buy your diamond online. And the bang for your buck is much greater.

Questions? Don’t understand something someone told you about diamonds? Not sure if you should really buy that diamond? Email me at diamonds@clarityofdiamonds.com and ask!

Be sure to check out the Clarity of Diamonds home page for daily recommendations of great value diamond purchases.