"I'm a little worried about buying online. Won't I get ripped off?"

This is, of course, the same question asked by anyone buying anything online, is it safe?

There are so many stories of people being ripped off buying online.
But think about it. Every year there are billions of dollars spent online. It just stands to reason that someone will get ripped off.

That isn't unique to the internet. There are heaps of people who get ripped off offline every year, probably far more than those who get ripped off online.

One of the common worries people have is using their credit card online. Are the numbers safe? Can they be read by someone who ought not read them?

But that same person would probably cheerfully hand over their credit card in a restaurant or gas station and not even blink when that same credit card is taken away to be imprinted, where a copy of the numbers can be taken in seconds.

There are many ways to get ripped off. Most of them are offline.

But that doesn't mean that you should ignore security. There are things you can do.

The most important thing you can do is, just like offline, DEAL WITH A REPUTABLE COMPANY.

There ARE very respected reputable online jewellers. Many, though not all of them, are respected reputable offline jewellers. Some just do business online.

Make sure that you deal with these companies. Read also How Do I Select an Online Merchant and our recommended online Jewellers.

These companies often have long histories of service to the jewellery industry and, if you lived nearby, you could walk in the door and buy your ring over the counter.

But the beauty of the internet is that you DON'T NEED TO LIVE NEARBY.
If you live in Canada and you want to deal with a company in Australia then it's so easy over the internet. Much easier (and cheaper) than trying to do it over the phone.

So yes, it IS safe to buy over the internet, just use your common sense when selecting your merchant. If something smells fishy, walk away and deal with someone else. Don't buy until you have satisfied yourself about who you are dealing with.