Buying Jewelry on eBay
Three tips to make your purchasing experience positive.
Let’s face it – buying fine jewelry in any venue is nerve racking. A recent news article discussed a couple that purchased a platinum and diamond ring from a well-known jewelry chain.
When the diamond dulled after a few months the couple took the ring to another jeweler for cleaning and was informed that the ring was sterling silver and cubic zirconia. Not good to say the least. The couple eventually got restitution from the original jeweler but in the process was accused of switching the components themselves as a scam to make money.
So, how do you protect yourself when purchasing jewelry in the impersonal online auction arena? Use these three tips: Picture, Feedback and Policies.
Picture – If the listing presents anything less than a stellar photograph that clearly shows every detail – move along. Jewelry is very hard to shoot. A seller that is in it for the long run will either invest in the proper equipment or hire a professional photographer to shoot pictures of the jewelry for sale. This also indicates a professional attitude which, when combined with a clear and well thought out description of the piece of jewelry, can go far in establishing confidence in the seller.
Buying diamonds or precious gemstones – look for a scanned laboratory certificate in the jewelry listing. Recognized authorities include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS) and European Gemological Laboratories (EGL).
Feedback – Check out the seller’s feedback and read individual comments left by the purchasers to gauge whether or not you want to do business with this seller.
When considering the feedback remember - this is not like school - anything less than an A+ (97 and above) is considered a failing grade in the world of online auctions.
Also check to see if the seller is considered by eBay to be a PowerSeller. EBay’s criteria for this designation is quite high and goes far towards building confidence that you are dealing with an honest merchant.
Finally, check out the seller’s policies. Most important is the seller’s return policy. If you are not happy with your purchase, you feel it is not as described or counterfeit – how easy will it be to get your money back?
In closing it is emphasized that it is not recommended to purchase expensive, fine jewelry at online auctions if you are not an experienced buyer.
That being said, the policies of any seller (regardless if the purchase is for $1 or a million dollars), should be closely examined – make sure you are happy with the terms of your sale prior to clicking that submit button.
apatite briolette gemstrand purchased on eBay
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