Especially if you love adding to cart at an online jewellery shop
We may not be The Jetsons quite yet, but we are living in the future — i.e. the digital age. We get our news, groceries, and even gossip online at the speed of light (Hi, multiple Whatsapp groups) — and according to a PWC article, in the past few years, about 12.5 crore consumers in India shopped online for the first time. Since then, they have continued to use e-commerce platforms. From necessities to luxuries, it’s a reasonable assumption that Indians with disposable income are making luxury purchases virtually too.
Buying jewellery online and benefits
One of the best parts of online jewellery purchases is the convenience of shopping from home, or anywhere in the world, literally – especially while you’re on the go or to gift loved ones.
Very often virtual stores have more variety in designs as they’re able to spend money on inventory, as opposed to paying overheads on a store, decor, lighting, and staff — so they’re able to offer more competitive pricing. Virtual storefronts can also offer customisation — for instance, Everbrite Jewellery allows you to pick from white, yellow, rose, or two-tone finishes in 14kt or 18kt gold. And they’ll even modify pre-existing styles or bring to life designs based on reference images or your thought process!
You also have a wide variety of payment options online. These are the kind of perks that draw people to bauble shopping at online jewellery shops.
Mistakes to avoid when purchasing from an online jewellery shop
1. Not knowing who you’re buying from:
If it’s an established chain brand that has physical locations as well, you just need to verify that you’re on the authorised website.
If it’s an upcoming/lesser-known brand, look out for a secure encrypted website, customer reviews on the website and social media. Reach out to previous customers and if possible, skim through third party review websites to see other customer feedback. Responsive customer service, secure payment options, invoices, gold hallmarking and diamond certification, and high-quality images and description of pieces all add to the authenticity — all of which you’ll find at Everbrite Jewellery.
2. Not doing enough research:
Research isn’t the most fun part of browsing at an online jewellery shop. But if you’re investing money, you need to put in a little work.
1. Read/ask around about market rates
2. Verify resale values and gemstones values
3. Inquire about the proper care required to maintain your precious metal and diamond jewellery.
3. Not educating yourself on the 4 Cs Of Diamonds:
Cut, colour, clarity and carat — the same four C’s that are the globally accepted standards for assessing diamond quality are used for lab-grown diamonds too.
The cost of a diamond is predominantly based on these. So do some research to verify that the amount you’re dropping at an online jewellery shop reflects what you’re looking at in terms of the 4 Cs.
4. Not focusing on size:
Online, all jewellery looks bigger and life-size, due to the way it’s been shot but read the fine print to clarify the actual size of the product. When it comes to ring sizing, bracelet sizing and even necklace sizes, it’s crucial you put in exact measurements, or follow the website’s size guide to a tee to avoid issues. If you’re still unsure, you can always reach out to the brand on call or social media and speak/video call with a representative, to get expert guidance – this also helps you verify that it’s a legit business.
5. Not checking quality:
Apart from the quality of the diamonds used, check the karat of the precious metals ensure that the jewellery is hallmarked and comes with brand assurance in the form of a certificate. Lighting and retouching can make jewellery seem to be a different shine/shade than it is real life.
6. Not having a budget (or piece) in mind:
Sure, you may be browsing, ‘just for fun’, but keep a reasonable budget, and an idea of what you’re looking for. Keep in mind your personal style, and filter by style, material and cost — being set free in a diamond-hued candy store maybe good retail therapy, but you don’t really want to be stuck with buyer’s regret (and an impulse buyer’s empty wallet), do you?
7. Not reading the terms and conditions, return policies, fine print:
Another mistake is not reviewing the returns and shipping policy.
Pick up that magnifying glass, and look closer. While the naked eye, and your magnifying glass won’t be able to tell the difference between a mined diamond and lab-grown diamond, reading the fine print will give you clarity on if they accept returns, how long you have to return the product, what the acceptable reasons are to return a product, etc. Also, note shipping costs and time! Everbrite Jewellery offers complimentary insured shipping and return pick up on all orders within India.
You don’t want to be stuck with a piece that isn’t perfect — remember this little line that comes at the end of all Indian ads — * ‘Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risk. Please read the offer document carefully before investing’ — make sure you read the fine print, even when browsing an at online jewellery shop!
8.Being too focused on price:
Cost is a crucial factor when purchasing at an online jewellery shop. But simply picking a piece because it’s the cheapest may not be the best idea (falling for unrealistic discounts may mean the deal is too good to be true) — quality of metal, diamonds, craftsmanship, and reputation of the seller, all hold equal weight.
For luxury products like diamond jewellery, these factors count more than just price.
If you’ve got your eye on precious jewellery, especially lab-diamond designs, from an online jewellery shop, we hope to have answered all your questions to ensure your purchases are worth their weight in gold, and continue to shine bright like diamonds!