Get to know your stuff
Let’s be honest, not all of us know that much about jewellery or diamonds and precious stones, to actually know the difference between something good and something bad. If you are looking to make a big money purchase like this, then you should do some research n the kind of jewellery that you are looking to buy and also find some reputable retailers to talk to about your requirements. If you are looking to by a diamond, then a quick search of the internet for the 4 C’s will give you lots of information on what to look for in a quality diamond as well as information about the different cuts of diamond. By doing a bit of preparation and getting to know what you are going to buy, you can arm yourself with knowledge which you can take with you before confirming a purchase, either online or in a shop.
Visiting the shop
It is still preferred by many people to be able to physical see and touch an object before they buy it. Pictures can be manipulated and altered, so by getting to physically hold and touch something, you will get a true feel for the item in question. Seeing the way that a diamond disperses natural light, rather than artificial light, can totally change the way a diamond looks. You also have the added benefit of being able to try a ring on before you buy it. This can then be altered to fit accordingly which many shops will do free of charge. Even if you are looking to purchase a ring online, then you may wish to visit a high street jeweller, just to get the ring finger measured, so you will know which size of ring you would need to order if that is what you are looking to buy. This would not be the case if you are looking to buy earrings, necklaces or watches though as these all tend to come in standard sizes.
Surfing online
One of the good things about buying from an online store is that you can buy something from just about anywhere in the world. You can find Diamond brokers in Queensland, Australia or in Antwerp in Belgium quite easily by using a search engine. There are things you may wish to consider though!
- Exchange rate
- Retailers terms and conditions
- Delivery charges and insurance whilst in transit
- Import Duty and Taxes
You will need to be aware of all of these points if you are looking to purchase from a retailer abroad. What you initially thought was a great bargain, could quite easily turn into something quite expensive when everything is taken into account. This is where your research comes into play that you have already done, so you should be able to work out the true costs so you can see how much of a bargain it really is.
Reputable retailers
Whether you purchase online or go to a shop, you will need to make sure that you purchase from a reputable retailer who is a member of a trade association such as the BJA (British Jewellers Association), to make sure that you get a professional service from a company with set guide lines and protocols in place. You may also wish to make your purchase using a credit card, even if you have the cash to pay for it. If you do have the cash you can pay for it when you get the bill the following month and have the added benefit of the extra level of insurance that you get when using your card. If something sounds too good to be true, walk away, quickly. The chances are it is too good to be true. Take your time and do not rush into a purchase and you will be able to find something perfect for that special someone in your life.
