| What to Look For in an Online Gem Dealer
There are hundred, perhaps thousands, of online dealers offering gemstones for sale. The attraction of buying gemstones online is similar to that of any other product -- the buyer is looking for the best possible selection at the best possible prices.
However, buying gemstones online is a bit riskier than buying books or cameras. The product is not standardized, for one thing. For another, gems are very small objects and their colors and details are extraordinarily important. Buying a fine gemstone on the basis of photographs and descriptions can be challenging.
But the risks in online gemstone buying are balanced by the rewards. Prices for gemstones online can be as much as 25-50% less than retail shops or even wholesale distributors who are far down the supply chain for gemstones. There are meaningful savings to be found online, especially for buyers who themselves are in the gemstone or jewelry business.
We believe there are many online gemstone companies who are honest and reliable and offer quality product at a fair price. Unfortunately there are also some online dealers who are less scrupulous, and some of them are located in places where it can be difficult to obtain legal recourse if you have a problem. So if you're thinking about buying gemstones online, choosing a reputable dealer is the most important decision you'll make.
From our years in this business, we can offer the following advice on what to look for in an online gemstone dealer:
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