7 Tips for buying quality jewelry online

With all the at-home time, who’s not buying online? Well, jewelry’s no exception. Here are some tips if you want to buy beautiful baubles from your cellphone, iPad, or laptop.

1. Know your site: There are reliable sites and then there’s “Joe’s House o’ Jewels.” Some, like chains and totally online sites like Blue Nile and James Allen, are backed by the company’s reputation; with others (eBay, Etsy) you’re relying on the seller for the quality of your item.

• Do your research: A little info can help you understand what you’re being sold. Great sources are GIA.edu and the American Gem Society. (And you can start with our blogs!) For instance, an on-sale diamond may not be a good deal if its clarity is subpar.

• Read the shipping and return policies: Make sure your purchase is shipped insured, and find out if it can be returned, whether there’s a deadline, and if you can get a full refund.

• Take a good look: Make sure that the photo you’re looking at is the actual piece. An unscrupulous dealer might not have the item in inventory, so they display a stock photo. Some sites have 360-degree cameras so you can see an entire stone.

• Get the paperwork: Whenever you’re buying jewelry, get authentication documents and certification. You should also get an independent appraisal afterwards for insurance purposes—and to confirm that you’ve actually received what you paid for!

• Insist on a warranty: Make sure the company backs up its product. Read the fine print for maintenance warranties. In some cases, if someone else performs cleaning, prong tightening, or repolishing, the warranty can be void.

• Buy estate jewelry with care: It’s easy to write that a ring’s Victorian…but is it? Search for treasures at a reliable jewelry site. DO consider a site from a truly knowledgeable expert. I recommend koblenzestatejewelry.com , run by a GIA-trained gemologist.

There can be some good deals on jewelry online, but like every big purchase, you have to perform due diligence and get the right paperwork. Above all, make sure you have an updated appraisal of all of your fine jewelry, silver, and watches, old or new. Contact me at (617) 304-0174 or at ambappraisal.com to set up an appointment. Good luck finding treasures!

Brilliantly yours, Aimee