Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Get engaged in style: Discover the Power of Online Shopping

Does the idea of online shopping for an engagement ring sound outrageous to you? Not really. All you need is a little more faith and a little less intimidation. All of us would prefer being spared the annoying sales pitches and the endless shopping trips for that perfect ring. Even more so, if you save considerable amount of money in the process.

What more can you ask for?

Like everything else, the internet has made jewelry shopping easy and convenient. Finally, you can get rid of all the pressure and confusion of the traditional jewelry shopping. Discover the ease and fun of online shopping from the comfort of your home.

If you’re ready to step on the online shopper turf, it will be beneficial to consider a few factors before buying your engagement ring.

1. Tricky Quality
You will come across thousands of websites which offer engagement rings for buyers. The web is a powerhouse of information on all types, sizes and brands of jewelry. Confirm the authenticity of the website you have chosen for buying your ring before actually purchasing it. Make sure that the jewelry available is GIA or AGSL certified.

2. Best Deals
Since online shopping stores don’t have the huge amount of overheads borne by retail outlets, you can find original, dazzling rings for much lesser price than the local store. Compare the various online stores for price bargaining, discount options and stone setting and quality. Online Stores like diamond.com, eBay and PlanetOnline.com offer a wide array of superior quality, designer as well as standard engagement rings in gold, silver, platinum fitted with beautiful stones like diamonds, emeralds, topaz, etc.

3. Return policy
Prefer a site with a good return policy, usually 30 days. Avoid websites without such facilities. Locate heir customer service numbers, email address or company address.

4. Shipment
Find out the details about shipment policy, packaging and charges. Make sure that there is provision for return of damaged items or a refund policy.

5. Security
If you are brave enough to buy your ring online, you need to be smart enough to buy it from a secure site. Most professional sites will provide secure payment mechanisms and protect your credit card information from being infringed.

6. Consult a grading report
As a certificate containing a diamond’s features, a grading report is a must-have if you buy a diamond engagement ring. It should be preferably issued by GIA OR AGSL.

7. The C factor: Cut
Of course, you want the perfect diamond engagement ring, in all its shining glory! When doing online shopping, you need to estimate a stone’s shine or luster through details of its unique characteristics of cutting.

8. Insurance
Enquire whether there is an insurance policy to cover for your expenses in case of loss or damage of the ring.

9. Credentials
Buy your engagement ring after verifying the credentials of the selling company. It should be registered with a trade organization and follow a code of ethics. Also, try to assess the credibility of its details online in terms of registration, physical office address and contact details.

10. Testimonials
It is tough to discern whether the testimonials praising a site are genuine comments or a sham to promote the website. Ask for particular users contact information to establish the sincerity of such remarks as well as gain feedback from an experienced buyer.

The bottom line is that you can procure an amazing engagement ring for your partner, online, at an astonishingly lesser price than the local jewelry store, by appropriate research and a well-planned approach. After all, you deserve something special for your very special day!

1 comment:

Kim Gail said...
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