Are you looking to purchase a diamond, but do not know whether or not to buy at a jeweler or online. At HustlerMoneyBlog, we strive to bring you information on all your financial needs! This post will serve as a comprehensive resource and a guided course on buying diamonds online.
If you’re reading this, you may be on your way to buying a diamond either for an engagement ring, earrings, or just a loose diamond. Common questions would be; “should I buy a diamond online or in-store?” or “is it safe to buy a diamond online?”
![]() At Blue Nile, their jewelry is designed and crafted with high-caliber, quality materials and inspected with exceptionally high standard. • Highest Diamond Quality Standard & Authenticity Certified • Get More For Less & Always Have The Best • Best Price: Find a comparable GIA graded diamond for less and they’ll match the price. Pay 20% up to 40% less than traditional jewelers |
Know What You Want
As you start your gem journey, set a budget then decide which details are important to you.
Diamonds are graded according to the four C’s, a system created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It’s important to know where a diamond falls in each of the categories, since these qualities affect a diamond’s appearance. Online grading scales can help. The four C’s include:
- Diamond Cut
- Diamond Clarity
- Diamond Color
- Diamond Carat (Weight)
Search for a stone that fits within your budget, but pay attention to the four C’s. If you buy based on a lower price alone, you could wind up with a diamond that looks more dull than radiant.
GIA Report Verification
Perhaps the greatest fear of any online shopper is that the product description on the internet won’t match the item that arrives in the mail.
When it comes to diamonds, the best way to ensure you’re getting what was described on a website is a GIA report, which contains an assessment of the stone’s four C’s.
Diamonds typically are shown with their unique GIA report number. While you’re browsing, you can run a check on the GIA’s website to confirm that the report shown with a diamond matches the GIA’s database.
Look At Your Options
Finally, make sure you’re comfortable with your purchase.
If you’re afraid of making a mistake, it is recommended to work with a jeweler who looks at the stone in person, although you’ll likely pay more for this service. The GIA suggests finding an online seller that also has a physical location where you can see the diamond.
Insured Shipment
When you ship diamonds, you send them via FedEx or UPS with tracking, insurance, and a required signature. In the rare event that your stone gets stolen, you won’t be out a penny. But even that is unlikely.
No-Questions-Asked Return Policies
Legit jewelers care more about customer experience rather than profit. Items may be returned or exchanged within 30 days from when they were shipped, free-of-charge and no questions asked.
Certified Jewelers
Which means, you will get a real diamond with a gemologist’s certificate. This may not be the case on some sketchy website or with an online auction. Wherever you buy your diamond (online or in-store), it’s a good idea to take the stone to an unaffiliated jeweler for an independent appraisal.
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Recommended Online Diamond Jewelers
Before you buy a diamond from a national jewelry chain, I would highly recommend checking out James Allen for your diamond buying needs.
James Allen is an online jeweler featuring quality engagement rings and over 25,000 photographed diamonds to choose from.
Another reputable online jeweler would be Blue Nile has been selling diamonds online since 1999 and is also an excellent choice.
These jewelers have great customer service and also provide;
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping and Returns
- No Questions Asked 30 Day Refund Policy
Buying Diamonds From eBay
Diamonds are very popular items on eBay and other online auction sites, but you can easily get ripped off. Before you buy a diamond in an online auction—on eBay or elsewhere—you should:
- Know a bit about diamonds so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Be familiar with online auctions, escrow payments, and recourse in case something goes wrong.
Where Is The Best Place To Buy An Engagement Ring? | |
For | Diamond Retailer |
Best Place To Buy Online | James Allen |
Biggest Selection | Blue Nile |
Best Diamond Cuts | Whiteflash |
Be Hesitant
Read customer reviews on the site and elsewhere online. Verify that the diamond seller is legitimate and check for a Better Business Bureau accreditation. Use a credit card as your method of payment to have a chance at disputing the charge in case of fraud.
Also, look into the return policy. You’ll want to have some way to return the diamond if you change your mind. Return policies should be outlined on a seller’s website, so read the fine print. Make sure you’re familiar with an online jeweler’s shipping policy. Look for companies that will insure the package and require a signature upon delivery.
Set Up A Budget
There has always been crazy debates on how much you should spend on a diamond.
Here is my honest opinion, if you’re looking for an engagement ring, spend the amount that both of you think is a reasonable amount.
Do not go purchasing a $20,000 ring if you’re struggling to pay off credit card debt. I am also not going to tell you to buy something really cheap or fake. Even if you’re on a budget, you can find a meaningful engagement ring that isn’t a diamond for a fraction of the cost.
Whatever your engagement ring budget is, stick to it and don’t use credit cards to pay it off slowly. Be sure you have the money to afford it because an engagement ring is only the first of many expenses you and your significant other will have to endure along your journey together through life.
![]() At James Allen, their diamond and gemstone fine jewelry collection offers hand-crafted pieces of unforgettable luxury that are perfect for any occasion. • Their mission is to offer consumers online the highest quality diamonds & largest selection at the best price. • 150,000+ certified conflict-free diamonds, all photographed in 360° HD • 24/7 Diamond Experts, with option for Real-Time Diamond Inspections • Lifetime Warranty, Free Shipping Worldwide • Hassle-Free Returns with 100% Money Back Guarantee |
Bottom Line
The good news is that you can get a better price if you buy a diamond online. The bad news is it’s very, very difficult, if not impossible, to buy a diamond online and truly understand what you’re going to get.
You can shop with confidence at well-known diamond jewelers—Blue Nile and James Allen are two most reputable online diamond jewelers. Stay away from diamonds on eBay or other second-hand vendors unless you know how to authenticate a diamond. If you would like to shop from one of the best Diamond Companies, you should stop by and check out Blue Nile Diamonds and James Allen Diamonds. These retailers offer some of the best quality products and services for you to enjoy.
Good luck with your diamond purchasing and be sure to come back to HustlerMoneyBlog for all of your financial needs!
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