Jewelry Online
Questions and Answers:
For anniversaries, engagements or special holidays, jewelry is a wonderful gift to give. However, with sizes and selections too numerous to count, choosing the ideal ring or necklace in the right cut and metal can feel overwhelming. To simplify and streamline your next jewelry purchase, we at InfoFAQ have asked the experts some frequently asked questions about buying jewelry online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry
When purchasing fine jewelry what is the one thing that is universal be it for Internet purchases or at a retail store?
Purchasers should know that laws for the conventional retail store also apply to the Internet.What is the most important key to having a successful purchasing experience when doing so over the Internet?
A Make sure the jeweler is associated to the Jewelers of America. Have the return policy given to you in writing, along with a receipt. Ask the Better Business Bureau about their record.What is the Jewelers of America?
It is an organization that ensures an elevated standard of business practices, and continues to educate jewelers that are in association with them.Which is the best form of payment to use?
Credit card is the best. If a problem arises with the purchase then no money has actually left your accounts.When buying fine jewelry what is the importance of the registered mark?
The registered trade mark shows the differences in quality. For example: "14k" means 58.3% is pure gold, "18k" is 75% pure gold. When you see the stamp "14k" this means that 14 of 24 parts are pure gold. The remaining 10 are alloy. Alloy is a mixture of several different metals added to strengthen, or in some cases to change the color to a whiter tone or a rose tone. Platinum is the hardest and most rare of all metals used in jewelry making. It can be marked with "PLAT," or "950 PLAT." The United States requires the manufacturer's trademark to be stamped on the piece to provide authenticityWhen shopping for a diamond on the Internet, as a consumer you must have a great deal of knowledge on what you are about to buy. These are some of the things that you may consider to research before making your purchase.
What properties are important when choosing a diamond?
Cut: An exceptionally cut diamond can create a beautiful brilliance, and a poorly cut diamond may appear dull. Many gemologists believe how a diamond is cut is the diamond's most important attribute. Width and depth play a huge role how light travels in the gem. If cut too shallow the diamonds radiance will be lost. The light travels out the sides. When a diamond is cut too deep the diamond will appear dull. By doing this the light travels out the bottom of the stone.Color: Diamonds act like a prism, by doing so it divides light in to a spectrum and colors reflect light in to bright flashes called fire. The diamond acts as a filter when looking through it, the spectrum will reduce. The less amount of color in a diamond, more brilliant its fire and the better its grade. The color rating system goes as follows.
D: Positively colorless. This is the highest color grade, and in turn exceedingly rare.
E: Colorless. Small traces of color are able to be detected by a gemologist. This is also a very rare diamond.
F: Colorless. Slight color is seen by a gemologist, still considered "Colorless" grade; and a high quality diamond.
G-H: Almost colorless. Color is more noticeable when compared to the higher grades of diamonds. These diamonds exhibit an excellent value.
I-J: Near colorless, color is slightly detectable.
K-Z: These grades of diamond are inferior in quality. They lack fire, and brilliance that consumers look for in a good diamond.
Clarity: This is the way the (GIA) Gemological Institute of America grades a diamond for flaws, or inclusions. These can be scratches, trace minerals, or something else to detract from the pure beauty. Clarity ratings are as follows.
FL-IF: Flawless
VVS1-VVS2: Has minute inclusions, they are very difficult to see.
VS1-VS2: Slightly included not usually seen without magnification. These are less expensive than VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1-SI2: These diamonds are slightly included. Some flaws are at times visible to the unaided eye.
Carat Weight: This is the actual size of the diamond.
What are the different cut styles used in diamonds?
Styles: Round, Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Marquise, Oval, Radiant, Pear, and HeartWhy should a consumer want to have a copy of, or at least given the chance to read the diamond certificate, diamond dossier, or diamond quality report?
These reports are made by gemologists who have studied the diamond at great length to analyze all important characteristics that make it a valuable diamond, or not..Recommended Jewelry Websites
Tiffany & Co. - Tiffany & Co. has been a quality jeweler and house of design since 1937.
Blue Nile - Offers jewelry education, guidance and products, including diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Shimmer & Stone - Offers fine jewelry, fashion jewelry with contemporary designs for men & women. Products include high-quality diamonds, gold and silver.
Jewelry Sites on the Internet
Ice.com - http://www.ice.com/
Features diamond jewelry, engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces since 1999.
Other Jewelry Resources
Best Selling Jewelry 2004
Reviewed Jewelry Websites
Handmade Jewelry at
NOVICA - NOVICA brings a unique, wonderful and far-reaching collection of handmade jewelry by talented artisans around the world.
Exeter
Jewelers, Inc. - G.I.A and A.G.S Certified Diamonds and quality Italian designer 18K gold, platinum, Italian gifts and Italian Sterling and Hand Enameled Collectibles, and Sterling Silver Wine Tastevins.
GemJazz Designs - GemJazz Designs offers handmade gemstone jewelry. They provide affordable, quality handcrafted gemstone jewelry using semi-precious gemstones, pearls and crystals. They also provide beaded and wire sculpted jewelry.
Visit our Shopping Guides and Credit Card Fraud sections for useful information.
Certifications
