Online Jewelry Stores

Types of Online Jewelry Stores

There are several types of online stores that sell bridal and engagement jewelry. Depending on the specific jewelry a couple is interested in, they may have many online merchants to choose from, or just a few that meet their needs, including:

• Web-based versions of familiar retail stores. These online shops are actually outlets related to traditional stores such as Zales, Bailey Banks and Biddle, Robbins Brothers, and Helzberg Diamonds. They offer similar selections as well as the security of a familiar name.
• Online only stores. These merchants deal exclusively in online jewelry sales, without physical stores elsewhere. They may offer a wider range of engagement rings as well as customization options because they have a wider selection to work with. Blue Nile is one such online only store, and is the largest online jewelry retailer in the world.
• Custom online stores. These specialized jewelry stores only offer one type of engagement ring or other jewelry, whether it is a mokume gane, Celtic, Claddagh, or other unusual design. Most of these specialized jewelers do not offer physical stores.
• Designer jewelers. These exclusive jewelers may still have a limited number of traditional boutiques, but their high popularity and desirability makes their online stores a popular choice for shoppers. Tiffany, Harry Winston, Tacori, and Lussori are examples of designers with online stores.

Shopping Online

When shopping online for an engagement ring, couples have the convenience of browsing through an immense selection of different styles, settings, and designs without time constraints or sales pressure. It is still prudent, however, to be well versed in how to judge diamond quality through the most common diamond characteristics: cut, clarity, color, and carats. This way, when viewing different rings that list the stone’s features and specifications, there are no surprises about what the terminology actually means.

Features to Investigate

Because no merchant wants a poor reputation, most online jewelry stores offer a variety of desirable features to help couples choose the best jewelry for their budget, style preferences, and other considerations. The types of features reputable stores offer include:

• Enlarged views of stones and rings to allow couples to see detail clearly.
• Assorted search options, typically by stone and metal type, setting, and other basic details.
• Informational pages to educate consumers about diamonds and metals.
• Wish lists or comparison features so couples can save preliminary choices for further consideration.
• Detailed disclosure about each diamond’s features, including grades and certification.
• Thorough explanations about warranties, payment options, and return policies.

Many online stores offer additional features such as proposal ideas, basic wedding planning checklists, and other helpful advice for newly engaged couples, but shoppers should take care not to be overwhelmed by convenience rather than quality.

Are Online Jewelry Stores Right for Us?

Online shopping can be intimidating for such a significant purchase.

Many couples are hesitant about shopping online for as monumental a purchase as an engagement ring, and certainly traditional jewelers offer ample selections and service without requiring any online access. On the other hand, couples who are interested in very specialized rings may find local jewelers unable to meet their needs, or the selection may be far more limited than what an online jeweler can offer. Furthermore, online stores allow couples to shop at well-known jewelers that have no physical stores in their area without incurring travel expenses.

Couples that are still uncertain about online shopping do have an alternative. It is possible to visit local jewelers for basic ideas, as well as the experience of actually viewing or trying on different rings, and then shop online for similar designs and styles. This way, physical and electronic stores are used compatibly to find the very best ring.

Online Jewelry Prices

Many people assume that online jewelers naturally charge lower prices, and while in some cases this is true because pure online stores do not have the overhead expenses of physical locations, most engagement ring prices are similar to traditional stores. Even if a ring may seem less expensive from an online merchant, couples should investigate shipping costs and other associated expenses before gauging the final price.

Problems with Online Shopping

The biggest problem with shopping at online jewelry stores is the fact that couples cannot physically try on rings prior to purchasing them. This can be solved by visiting local stores and viewing similar rings prior to making an online purchase. Other problems include the lack of different angle views on many shopping sites, meaning the couple can only see the ring from one angle and not from below, directly from the top, etc. These problems may not seem highly significant, but when purchasing very detailed rings or if the couple has very specific preferences, such options may become critical. Reading the fine print, investigating warranties and guarantees, and knowing return procedures can help alleviate any potential problems, and when in doubt, investigate the jeweler with the Better Business Bureau before committing to a purchase.

--- Online jewelry stores offer couples a wide selection, at home convenience, and customization that may not be available at traditional stores. Though shopping online for an engagement ring may not be the perfect choice for everyone, many couples browse online selections for ideas and inspiration prior to visiting their preferred jeweler, and online stores are rapidly becoming some of the most popular destinations for couples interested in engagement and wedding rings.