Is Buying Jewelry Online Today Really Safe?

This is a question we see and hear all the time. Now, you might think we're going to be biased in this answer, but we promise - we won't! But with the question of whether it is safe to buy jewelry online, another question that is asked is whether you should buy jewelry online or in a store?

To answer the question, let's start by saying this:

There are, just like anything, two aspects of buying jewelry online, but one thing is certain is that online shopping has increased dramatically over the years and never before have people bought so much online - be it jewelry. Luxury but other things too. But where there is money, it tends to be a crime, and that's the concern people have with buying online, whether it's their dream jewelry or a pair of socks. Buying online has many benefits, but before buying jewelry online, there are a few things you want to consider.

With millions of people already buying jewelry online, the online jewelry industry is big, and certainly not something you shouldn't avoid out of fear, however, you should keep a few things in mind before buying jewelry online.

Buying Jewelry Online VS Physical Stores: Advantages and Disadvantages

As with anything, there are both advantages and disadvantages of buying jewelry online respectively buying them in-store.

Which of these alternatives you choose tends to depend on which way of buying makes sense to you at the time. For example, are you just looking for the absolute best price or do you want to try the jewelry in real life?

Both will continue to have a place in the market and are both in demand and demand by customers. Both types of jewelry stores serve a customer need and hence, there is no question whether physical stores will continue to exist, but rather they coexist and allow for a better overall experience and a wider range of options among customers, so they can choose to buy the jewelry however they like. Online jewelry purchases have increased significantly over the years as the internet becomes more accessible and online shopping becomes even more natural for people.

If everything works smoothly and as it should (which it does most of the time when buying from a reputable online jewelry store), your online jewelry shopping experience will be perfect. You will sit in your home, order the jewelry and bring it home after a few days. All perfect.

One of the most common problems with buying custom jewelry online (and buying anything online for that matter) is that there is a risk of the jewelry being faulty upon arrival.

Of course, this is more of careless handling of the package by the shipping company, but it is still an issue that concerns you.

Also, if you wish to return your jewelry, it is easier to do so with a brick and mortar jewelry shop. Just go to the store, leave the jewelry and most retailers will take care of the rest for you.

If you shop online, however, you need to wrap the jewelry and ship it away. While not commonly occurring, jewelry may break upon arrival, which also creates a lot of work for you and a disappointment for not being able to use the jewelry.

The fascination that many people find in brick-and-mortar stores is that they can try on the jewelry. At the same time, many people try on the jewelry in the store, then go home and order it cheaper and more conveniently. The advantage of buying in-store, however, is that you can inspect the jewelry more carefully and bargain, however, as mentioned, some people still do but then continue to buy the jewelry online.

The fact is that some jewelry will only be available online and this shows that online jewelry stores play an important role in jewelry retailing.

Also, buying jewelry online can be a good alternative when jewelers don't have the model you are looking for in-store or when there are no retailers available for the jewelry you are looking for.

What tends to make the price of jewelry online cheaper than buying a jewelry in a store is that online jewelry stores tend to get by with fewer staff, they don't need to keep a large inventory that costs money and can easily and quickly adjust their prices whenever appropriate? Also, as there is no shop, the cost of insurance is only a fraction of what physical jewelry stores pay as many online retailers keep their jewelry there in safe places, often in bank vaults.

All of this translates into significantly lower operating costs for brick-and-mortar stores and thus allows online jewelry stores to maintain lower and more competitive prices.

Also, most online jewelry stores are not official resellers of the brands they sell. This can be both bad and good in a number of ways, but the best part is that it allows for cheaper prices. Official retailers of luxury jewelry brands can only change the PRC (recommended retail price) x per cent, but unofficial retailers can set the prices they want, giving them a huge competitive advantage.

On the flip side, some people are willing to pay a premium for shopping at jewelry stores as they get personal service, sit in the boutique, try on jewelry, and get more personal service. Also, especially when it comes to new and difficult to buy models, it may or may not be easier to buy them by going to the official dealer. While it may be a more expensive alternative, some people prefer it because they want a personal touch to their purchase and also want to be 100% certain that what they get is the real deal, although you can be sure it is if you buy too from reputable online retailers.

Buying jewelry is an experience, and some people are willing to pay extra in-store for the experience it brings, but it always comes to a point where you have to consider whether the premium you pay is worth it, or whether you are just looking to get the best possible deal by shopping online.

The Physical Location of a Store

The advantage physical luxury jewelry stores have over online stores is that they are often located in very strategic locations, which means there are a lot of people passing by every day. People will stop by the window to look at the jewelry on display, and some people who pass will come in with no intention of buying anything. In fact, many times, many of the people who buy jewelry in a jewelry shop are people who have passed by the store with no intention of buying a jewelry, but have walked in and found a jewelry that they fell in love with and that they had to.

This is an advantage that physical stores have over online retailers as the people who come to online jewelry stores are people looking for jewelry, often for specific jewelry.