With every purchase over $2500.
Online Diamonds Explained
With the rise of the internet and an increasing number of diamond online retailers opening their doors for business, it’s no surprise that more and more people are buying diamonds online.
But what does this mean for consumers?
As with online shopping in general, there is a concern when it comes to security and reliability with diamond online retailers. As you no doubt know, buying a diamond is a much more significant purchase than your day-to-day consumer good. You need to make a diamond purchasing decision with the help of a qualified and certified diamond dealer, in order to make the right decision.
Claes Diamonds is owned and operated by myself, Olivier Claes. My family’s name is well known in the diamond industry, dating back to the late 1800’s in Antwerp, Belgium – the diamond capital of the world.
Because consumer protection ends with the diamond online retailer, you can rest easy knowing that we have the integrity, experience and certification our industry holds in high esteem.
And central to our business is you, the customer.
Key differences between online and offline retailers?
There are several differences.
Firstly, when it comes to online retailers, their supply chain often works on the basis of virtual stock lists. This means you don’t get to view the stock personally to see for yourself what it is really like. It also means you may not have the opportunity to view the stock with a certified diamond appraiser.
Secondly, another concern is the amount of people these diamonds are handled by, between laboratory and consumer. With a vast number of virtual wholesale suppliers, one should question the quality of the relationship between them and the diamond online retailer. A relationship just as important as the one between you and the retailer.
For example, a naturally colourless diamond could be swapped for a natural diamond treated for colour – one that was originally of dark tint, but brightened by technology. A reputable laboratory would pick up the difference using a machine that costs several hundred thousand dollars.
The real concern lies in what happens when so many people have hands on diamonds and their reports after laboratory grading? Unfortunately, so many grading reports can be created fraudulently and rogue diamond online retailers can offer these forged reports, in the hope that you will believe their authenticity.
Laboratory reports are really only the start when it comes to consumer protection. Deal with a diamond online retailer whose supply chain is relatively direct and governed by old-fashioned relationships of face-to-face trust and integrity. Demand professional guidance and investigate any warranties.
Every supplier I work with, I know and have a solid working relationship with
It took time for me to build that relationship, but it has paid off time and time again. Relationship is everything in the diamond trade business, and especially so in the world of diamond online retail.
Finally, research into online diamond retailers has shown too many consumers who have paid for diamonds in advance, do not receive their goods because they have become victims of online businesses failing to report bankruptcy in time. Unfortunately, this is a trend that is on the rise.
Some online diamond retailers will offer a return policy – a policy that does more damage than good with my personal perception. After all, if the diamonds are good and suited you wouldn’t need to return them. If returned, a thorough due diligence process should be in place.
All of these concerns highlight why you really need to ensure you do business only with a diamond online retailer with a credible name and integrity.
At Claes Diamonds, we have created a balance of low overheads and face-to-face integrity, so you can enjoy competitive prices and reliability at the same time.
And we are accessible online as well, for added convenience.
Convenience, value and face-to-face expert customer service – that is what Claes Diamonds stands for.
