How to Shop for Jewelry Online

Jewelry is an item of pleasure usually kept forever. Take your time learning all about it before buying it, be it for you or for a loved one.

Gold – is a precious metal and its purest form is valued at 24 karat (24K). 24K gold is soft, and so it's generally mixed with other metals to increase its durability and hardness. A piece of jewelry other than 24 karat gold should have a certificate for Diamond indicating its karat weight (21k, 18k etc).

Platinum, Silver and Other Metals - Platinum is a precious metal that is costlier than gold. It is usually mixed with other similar metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium. Platinum jewelry quality markings are based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece, based on parts per thousand.

Gemstones - Natural gemstones are found in nature. Stones made in the laboratory have basically the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones and are cheaper than natural gems. Imitation stones may look like natural stones but may be made from glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The unit for weighing gemstones is the carat.

Diamonds – The quality and value of a diamond depends on color, cut, clarity, and carat. The clarity and color of a diamond usually are graded. Diamond weight is usually stated in carats. There are many different unique shapes of diamonds like marquise, oval, pear, princess, trillion, heart and emerald.

Pearls - Natural or real pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks. Cultured pearls also are grown by mollusks, but with human help. Since natural pearls are very rare, most pearls used in jewelry are either cultured or imitation pearls. Cultured pearls are much more expensive than imitation pearls. Imitation pearls are man-made with glass, plastic, or organic materials. The value of a cultured pearl depends on its size, usually stated in millimeters, and the quality of its nacre coating, which gives it luster. Jewelers can distinguish between natural, cultured and imitation.

Always take an opinion of an expert before buying a piece of jewelry. Always check for the appropriate markings on metal jewelry and find out if the pearls are natural, cultured, laboratory-created or imitation. Also, find out whether the gemstone has been treated. Buy from legitimate and reputed companies only. Find out about the , as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy. Get all the information about the jewelry you are buying and get your queries answered through email or on the phone.