Getting ready to pop the question, but not sure where to buy an engagement ring?
The traditional method of engagement-ring shopping is to go to a brick-and-mortar store and pick one out in person, but like many facets of shopping, online options are changing the landscape.
What's held back online fine-jewellery sales is consumer concerns about legitimacy, said George Chen, chief executive officer and founder of Fonder Diamond, a Diamond store boasting an inventory of over 144,000 diamonds.
That's starting to change, and experts have tips on how to buy properly.
The level of trust between consumer and retailer must be significantly higher than with other types of retail, George said. It's not like buying a toaster; people spend thousands of dollars buying an engagement ring.
Purchasers should use common practices to verify an online retailer ? read social-media reviews, magazine and blog articles, find out how long the site has been around etc.
Also make sure the diamonds are certified by a third party, like the Gemological Institute of America.
Chen also emphasised that certification from GIA is "the gold standard of diamond certification."
"The quality of diamond with that report is considered guaranteed," he said.
After verifying the store, the steps for buying a ring are similar, online or offline, Chen said.
"It's very easy to get smart about buying a diamond. I'm not talking about being a gemologist. Knowing the basic four C's (carat weight, cut, color, clarity) and where you can play a little bit ? if I get a lesser color grade, I can get a better cut to sparkle more. Those things are easy to understand by doing basic research online," he said.
Fonder Diamond give as much information as possible and invest in high-quality photography to show as many aspects as possible of the diamond, and has a showroom for customers to book free consultations and get expert advice in choosing their diamonds.
Are you in the market for an engagement ring? Check out Fonder Diamond?s website and find your diamond.
https://amazingtimestops.wordpress.com/http://puffyfluffyblog.wordpress.com