6 Online Jewellery Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
While seeing and trying on a piece of jewellery in person is wonderful, the difficulty of having to drive to a store and being limited to what that store has available is inconvenient. You'll also lose out on wonderful artisan jewellery created by independent artisans (like us!) that don't have a physical location.
While there are many advantages to buying for jewellery online, it does require some thought and there are several ways to go wrong. You must pay attention to the proper elements and avoid some of the pitfalls in order to get jewellery that you will enjoy.
You'll be much more likely to succeed if you avoid our top 6 Online Jewellery Shopping Mistakes.
1. Product Description and Photos
In an ideal world, you'd want to see and feel items in person before purchasing them. One of those items is likely to be jewellery, it's nice to be able to try it on and see if it fits. Of course, while purchasing online, this isn't possible.
A beginner online jewellery shopper might be anxious about missing out on the 'trying on' stage of the buying process, but detailed descriptions might assist.
If you shop from a respectable and well-run online jewellery store, the product listings will include detailed information and observations about each piece of jewellery. Just reading this information will give you a decent idea of what to expect. The description should specifically state the materials used to create the piece (if not, this is a red flag for jewellery shopping) as well as the size.
Also, look at all of the photographs provided by the web retailer to get a better notion of size and to see the piece from various angles.
2. Not checking the returns policy
While reading descriptions and looking at photographs is really helpful, you may receive your purchase and find that it isn't quite what you expected or that it isn't a good fit for you. Even the best description and images can only convey so much about a tangible object.
I'm sure we've all purchased something online just to discover it isn't quite what we expected when it arrives. Frequently, this is when we verify the return policy for the first time. Sometimes we'll be unhappy to learn that returning something is either difficult or impossible.
A successful online company should offer a fair returns policy to its clients, especially when it comes to things like jewellery, where seeing a piece in person is critical.
Before you buy, it's best to double-check the return policy. That way, when it comes to refunds or exchanges, you'll know where you stand up front. Before making a purchase, you should be certain that you will be able to fix the problem if your item arrives and isn't what you expected.
3. Buying pieces you won’t wear
When you shop for jewellery online, you have simple access to a wide variety of options. This can be both a blessing and a curse for some shoppers. It's nice to be able to view a large range of what's available, and you might come across something you really like while browsing, but it can also be distracting.
When shopping online, it's all too simple to add products to your cart without thinking. For some people, this implies they are more likely to buy products that strike their attention on the spur of the moment. This type of inclination may drive you to add items to your collection that don't really fit your style or lifestyle and aren't likely to be worn very often.
Before you check out, think about your choices and where you'll wear them. Are they meant to be worn on special occasions or on a regular basis? Do you have a certain outfit in mind for them? Are they a good match for your current jewellery collection, or are you looking for something different? Do they reveal anything about your personality? Some things to quickly consider before finalising your purchase is a great way to avoid buying Jewellery you might regret later.
4. Getting the wrong size
It's aggravating to be eager about ordering clothing or accessories online, only to have them arrive... and not fit. You should be able to resolve this if the online store offers reasonable return and exchange procedures, but it might be discouraging and make you feel like you've lost time and effort.
Too many internet jewellery buyers fail to properly measure themselves and end up with pieces that don't fit. This is particularly true with rings, but it also applies to bracelets, necklaces, and anklets.
The first step in avoiding this problem is to read the product specifications, as described above. A well-run online company will provide you with precise measurements for each of their products, which you should take advantage of. You may simply use a tape measure to evaluate how those measurements will sit on your own body for necklaces and bracelets.
5. Buying the wrong Material
METALS AND FINISHES
All metals are not created equal. If you're buying a sentimental item that you want to last a long time, stay away from base metals like brass and nickel silver (which contains no silver and can be harmful). For such pieces, gold or platinum are ideal, but sterling silver will suffice.
Solid precious metals, rather than plated metals, should be used for everyday use (particularly rings, bracelets, and bangles that are subjected to a lot of wear). Heavily plated finishes, such as vermeil or gold filled, are ideal for pieces that are subjected to a lot of wear.
A good jewellery retailer will enlighten you about the metals and other materials utilised in their designs. For example, simply because a piece of jewellery has the word "gold" in its name does not guarantee it is made of gold, and the description should state as much.
GEMSTONES
Specific sorts of gemstones included into the design can be used to make a statement with jewellery. Birthstones, for example, are a popular method to pay tribute to a loved one while also keeping them close to your heart.
In the product description of an online jewellery store, you should find information on the gemstones used in the jewellery. They should be able to tell you if the gemstones are natural, simulated, or created in a lab. They should also say if the stones may differ from the ones seen in the photos (this may be the case with natural stones). Make sure to think on what you've learned.
We also recommend considering whether your gemstone choices have ethical consequences, which is especially relevant when it comes to diamonds and other high-value stones.
If you're interested in learning more about the meanings of gemstones, do some research on the stones you prefer.
6. Not looking for customer reviews
Looking for online customer evaluations regarding the item you're considering or the company itself is a good idea, especially if you're buying with a from a site you haven’t purchased from before.
These evaluations can provide you with a firsthand experience of the product's quality, the shipping procedure, and the company's response to various difficulties. These reviews include a wealth of useful and pertinent information. It's a good technique to ensure that you're comfortable with your buy.
ONLINE JEWELLERY SHOPPING MISTAKES TO AVOID
Jewellery is frequently the unifying element in an ensemble, or it might be a sentimental piece that evokes fond memories. You may choose a piece of jewellery solely for its aesthetic value or because it has a deeper meaning for you and expresses something about who you are. In any case, you want to be sure you're picking the correct components for yourself (or your gift recipient).
Investing a little more time and effort to avoid these online jewellery purchasing blunders will help you get exactly what you're looking for. As you grow your collection, online jewellery shops bring up a whole new world of possibilities and options for you to consider. A few fresh pieces may instantly elevate your entire look.
If you're looking for some high-quality, artisan-designed jewellery for your collection, visit our online store today, where you can get free shipping inside Australia.