| One of the most neglected channels through | | | | immediately secure in their payments, it is perfect |
| which diamond rings can be purchased is the | | | | to protect customers from retailers (particularly |
| Internet. Very seldom do ring buyers realise that | | | | online) who are intent on scamming and ripping off |
| it is more than possible to acquire desirable, quality | | | | engagement ring buyers. |
| rings online at knock-down prices, delivered to | | | | Secondly it is important to be wary with your |
| your door. Whilst the more traditional route may | | | | personal and bank information, particularly the |
| be to buy your ring with the help of a local | | | | details shown on the face of your card. Don't let |
| jeweller, the online route is far more cost | | | | anyone see your details and be sure to type |
| effective and can result in a significant cost saving | | | | them in to secure sites only to prevent your |
| on the item you choose. Whilst this does allow for | | | | information being used for other purposes. |
| enhanced quality in your final choice of ring, the | | | | Particularly when you're dealing in large amounts |
| Internet is by no means a foolproof way of | | | | of money as will be the case with engagement |
| shopping, and it does give rise to a number of | | | | ring purchases, the Internet leaves you vulnerable |
| inherent problems for the potential ring buyer. | | | | to hackers and identity thieves who will stop at |
| Buying a ring online is a great way to save | | | | nothing to rip you off. |
| money. You could literally save hundreds on an | | | | Of course, the Internet is also a good way to |
| identical ring online as compared to its shop price, | | | | realise a bargain - but only if you are careful. |
| and you can be pretty sure that you'll find | | | | Make sure you buy from a reputable retailer that |
| something that's suitable on that great big shop | | | | has established a name for themselves in the |
| we call the Internet. However it isn't as | | | | offline market where possible. Look to friends for |
| straightforward as order a CD or groceries from | | | | recommendations or forums online where a |
| an online retailer - this is a big item of expenditure, | | | | number of people report good customer |
| and it's important to think about the safety | | | | experiences from a particular site. Always look for |
| aspects of the transaction as well as the benefits | | | | safety icons on any particular website from which |
| of the online buying process. | | | | you intend to buy, and look and verify |
| The best bit of advice anyone can take when | | | | memberships to external regulatory authorities |
| buying a diamond ring online is to do so through a | | | | and organisations. A bit of research goes a long |
| credit card. Credit cards offer automatic buyer | | | | way in finding an online jeweller that can provide |
| protection, allowing the disgruntled customer to | | | | security and value for money, and you might just |
| effect a 'chargeback' where they have not | | | | end up regretting your decision if you don't |
| received the product in question. Whilst this is far | | | | exercise due diligence prior to purchase. |
| from ideal for the retailers who are not | | | | |