Many people are afraid of making even small purchases online - mention buying jewelry online and they practically faint. But trusted online jewelry stores can offer you significant savings over mall stores since they don't have high overhead expenses and can make it up on volume by serving a national audience instead of just a few neighborhoods around a jewelry store. So what are the best places to buy jewelry, gold, diamonds, and watches online? Here we go..
A long time leader is Blue Nile. They specialize in diamonds and engagement rings, but carry a complete line of precious stone and metal jewelry - platinum, gold, silver, diamonds, pearls. They have a large section, How to Choose an Engagement Ring, which helps finding the perfect ring and stone combination for that special someone. (BridalTips.com also has a large educational section for learning about the ring buying process - if you are going to spend more than $1000 on a piece of jewelry, do your homework and be informed!) Forbes magazine has chosen Blue Nile as the best online jeweler for several years running. They ship Fedex only so your purchase is insured and guaranteed, and they have a 30 day return policy so you can be sure you are happy with our purchase. Tiffany.com offers the same products found in their retail stores online, but the prestige value of that Tiffany box often means paying a higher price that you could get from these discount online jewelry stores. For gold products (chains, rings, bracelets, etc.) a good starting point is Goldenmine.com. They have a nice Jewelry 101 education center to tell you about stones, metals, how to choose, care for, etc. Check it out to educate yourself before buying. They carry both mens and womens jewelry and offer toll-free telephone ordering as well as online ordering.
For pearls, there is PurePearls.com. They sell high-quality cultured Akoya, Tahitian, Freshwater, and South Sea pearls at discounted prices. They make their own pearl jewelry, importing pearls direct from Asia. They also offer a pearl education section so you can learn everything you need to know when shopping for pearl jewelry. For designed artisan style jewelry, check out JEGem.com. These handmade products are unique and allow you to find things you won't see in your local jewelry store.
Many people like visiting a jewelry store before buying an expensive watch - this is good idea, because watches tend to fit differently due to different wrist band styles, unlike rings, necklaces, etc. For genuine Rolex products, stick with Rolex.com or a watch/jewelry store. For an investment of that size, you will want ongoing support and relationship.
Online Jewelry Guide Rules:
Buy from an established vendor only
Call their 800 number to make sure they reliably provide support and service
Confirm return policy in writing before making a purchase (ie, on their website)
All expensive purchases should be shipped by an insured carrier
Do you research first when it comes to precious metals, stones, etc.
Once you are comfortable shopping online for jewelry, you'll find it is a quick and easy way to buy anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, etc. - just jump online, browse the products, and buy with confidence. No trips to the mall, no waiting in line, no hassling with jewelry sales people. The links on this page contain additional resources and information about how to buy jewelry on the internet.
Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.
