But with the rapid growth of e-commerce, more and more people are choosing to buy jewelry online, a way that is both convenient and diverse. However, buying jewelry online also brings some risks. If you are not careful, you may experience poor quality merchandise or even fraud.
As a result, we need to be extra cautious when buying jewelry online. Here are seven common mistakes and advice on how to avoid them, which will hopefully help you make an informed choice when buying jewelry online.
- 1. Failure to Conduct Sufficient Research
Take some time to learn about the different types of gemstones, metals, and the basics of jewelry design before making a purchase.
If you shop at a well-run, reputable online jewelry store, the product listings will contain in-depth information and observations about each piece of jewelry. Do some more comparisons and choose those merchants that have a good reputation.
- 2. Ignoring Certificates and Accreditations
When buying jewelry, make sure that the jewelry comes with a certificate issued by an authoritative organization, such as GIA or IGI certification. This will ensure that the jewelry you buy is authentic, and the quality is guaranteed.
- 3. Not Understanding the Return and Exchange Policy
I'm sure all of us have had the experience of buying something online only to receive it and think it's not right. That's usually when we check the return policy for the first time. Sometimes we are disappointed to find out that returning the item is either not that easy or not possible at all.
A good online store should have a fair return policy for its customers, especially for items like jewelry where seeing an item in person is important.
- 4. Being Tempted by Fake Discounts
Some people tend to be attracted to huge discounts when they see them, ignoring the actual value and quality of the goods, and end up buying substandard products.
Be wary of discounts that seem too good to be true, especially during holiday sales. Make sure the discounts are genuine and double-check the quality of the item before you buy. Remember, cheaper is not always better, and it is more important to focus on quality when buying jewelry.
- 5. Buying the Wrong Style
When shopping online, it's easy to add items to your cart without thinking. For some people, this means they may be more likely to buy something that catches their eye on a whim. This impulse may lead you to add items to your collection that don't quite fit your style or lifestyle and won't be worn often.
Before checking out, think about your choices and consider what occasions you will wear the jewelry. Will they be for a special occasion or for everyday wear? Do you have a specific outfit for them? Do they fit into your current jewelry collection, or do you want to make a change? Do they reflect your personality?
Doing some quick thinking before completing your purchase is a great way to avoid buying jewelry you may regret later
- 6. Ignoring the Size and Specifications of the Jewelry
Not being aware of the actual size and specifications of the jewelry results in receiving an item that does not meet expectations and may be too large or too small.
To avoid this problem, the first step is to read the product description. A well-run online store will give you clear measurements for each product, and you should utilize this information.
For necklaces and bracelets, you can simply use a tape measure to see if these measurements will fit your body. Also, check out our necklace length and style guide for other useful tips and size charts. At ElineeJewelry, almost all of our necklaces and bracelets are adjustable to provide you with some flexibility. We also have necklace chain extenders to make the length even more adjustable.
- 7. Not Using Secure Payment Methods
Making payments on unsecured or unknown websites results in financial loss due to theft of financial information or fraud.
Suggestion: Choose reputable websites to make purchases and use secure payment methods such as credit cards or protected third-party payment platforms (e.g., PayPal). These payment methods usually offer better buyer protection measures and can effectively avoid financial risks.
Taking the extra time and effort to avoid these online jewelry shopping mistakes can help you find the right jewelry. Online jewelry stores open up a whole new world of possibilities and options for building your collection.