Online Diamond Shopping Advice from Debi Wexler, CEO of Whiteflash.com
I’ll admit: I have an online shopping inclination. I have spent many an afternoon pouring over the pages of Amazon while also flipping through magazines. Then 4-5 business days later I end up with some really flashy and definitely impractical high heels delivered to my front door. My brother in law has the male version of my Internet shopping fetish, which drove him to impulse-buy a car on EBay. This is not that unusual (he will do anything for a bargain), but the thing that made this instance interesting was that the vehicle was located hundreds of miles away from us. This required him to buy two airplane tickets to pick up his great bargain and drive it all the way home. Practical? Not so much. But he gets points for impulsiveness.
Given this blemished family history, you may be wondering if you should really seek guidance from me about shopping online for an item as significant as a diamond. Here are two reasons to heed my advice: 1. I did extensive research on the topic, in order to make the process a little bit easier for you and 2. I have been in the diamond industry for over 15 years! So here are a few tips and resources to help make your diamond buying experience rewarding and safe. If you navigate the web wisely, you will be able to purchase your ideal ring at an excellent price.
Be an educated customer
Consider getting a guide book or searching online forums before you shop and brush up on your Diamond Education. The more you know about the four C’s, the grading scale and certification process, the better equipped you will be to get the best bling for your buck.
Comparison Shop
Search various online retailers in order to get an idea of what a competitive price for your gem or precious stone should be. Helpful comparison tools include the “ring builder” features that most online stores offer. They will give you free quotes without any obligation to buy. Many sites allow you to save your comparison rings so that you can consider several options at once.
Reputation Matters
Shop with an online jeweler who has an established reputation for good business practice (one way to check on this is to make sure that they have a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau). Whiteflash.com, which is the largest online retailer of certified diamonds and is consistently rated highly by customers and media publications. Make sure that whatever company you choose offers at least a money back guarantee. They also must provide you with a certificate or equivalent for your diamond.
More Tips
Click here for more tips on buying a diamond, either online or in person.
