Excerpts from Bridal Guide July/Aug 06 edition "Dot Com Diamonds" - A guide to safe online shopping for diamonds.
Know the Seller. Do you research! "Most online sellers have an 'About Us' section," says John Pollard, director of consumer education for Whiteflash.com. "See how long they've been doing business and try to get a sense of their business model." Be sure the site offers contact information so that you can ask questions directly. Good Signs: The site's diamonds are kept in-house, and an expert is on hand to tell you about them. Also, look at the seller's customer rating or feedback, to see what other buyers have had to say.
Expect all the details. The more information you have, the more confident you'll feel about your purchase. "At a minimum, you should see a grading report and a magnified photo of the actual diamond," says Pollard.
Protect yourself. Before you buy a diamond online, be sure the seller has a return policy offering you a full refund, as well as enough time to the the diamond appraised. At checkout, look for a "lock" icon that shows the site is secure. Use a credit card, not a debit card, for an online purchase. PayPal is also a safe way to pay.
The seller should offer insurance for shipping the diamond, as well as a secure, trackable delivery service that requires a signature, and maybe even a photo I.D. That way, you, and only you, can receive your gorgeous new diamond ring.
For more specific questions ask our experts
