Is it safe to buy gemstones online?

10 years ago, in India, if you wanted to make a purchase from the comfort of your home, it could only be through infomercials, in the wee hours of the morning, or late at night by calling their toll-free number. The products were eclectic but generally genuine as the brands associated had to spend a lot of money on the infomercials themselves. However, buying through infomercials was very common in India. It was something only a few did. 

With the advent of technology and the availability of online shopping in India from 2012, the reach of online shoppers increased 100 fold. With it increased the chances of defrauding someone with fake products. 

Buying natural gemstones online is still a taboo subject today because of this. The prevalence of fraudulent sales through immaculate pictures, fancy content, spammy ads, and constant pestering through reassuring words makes people wary of buying anything, god forbid something precious like gemstones, online. 

So, is it safe to buy gemstones online?

3 questions to ask for a safe online gemstone purchase

1. How long has a gemstone seller been in business? 

If a brand has been there 5+ years and has a good reputation, they are a safer bet than others as brands with a bad reputation for selling poor-quality or fake astrological gemstones rarely last more than 1-2 years. It is best to do your research and discover the exact type of dealer you're considering. You can also look for complaints online, to be 100% sure. 

2. Are the images of gems on the website truthful?

Is the photo of the gemstone/s used on the website a stock photo or a genuine photo? Many websites use stock photos, non-reputable websites will try to peddle off commonly found gemstones images as their own. These images may have watermarks on them, however faint. You can also ask the webmaster if the photo is from stock or an actual image from the brand.

3. Is there a return & refund or exhcnage policy?

Jewelry is precious. It costs a lot and is an investment. So, a legitimate online seller will always have a thorough and clear return or exchange policy. The policy should be spelled out, and all stipulations, i.e., how much time & payment of shipping, should be specific and to the point. Keep in mind that most return policies shouldn't charge more than 5%, as this is the restocking fee. 

If you trust a brand like Brahma Gems to buy gemstones online, you do not have to worry about any such thing as they have transparent 10 days return and replacement policy, every image on the website is clear and taken by the brand of their own gems, they have been in business for almost a decade. 

Buy genuine gemstones online India - Guarantees of trusting a good brand 

• Fault-free gems for maximum results.

• Transparent and easy payment.

• As mentioned before, easy returns and exchanges are guaranteed with good brands. 

• Genuine certifications.

• Gemologist-approved gemstones.

• Clear communication from the get-go. 

• Variety in budget; so everyone can have the chance to change their lives. 

Can gemstones fail? 

Yes. Whether you buy gemstones online or offline they can still fail, but only if:

• It is recommended for the wrong individual.

• Neither the recommendation nor the gemstone is correct.

• The gemstone is worn late or early.

• The gemstone has not been used properly. (Right metal, right finger, etc.)

• The gemstone has not been researched well. 

How to buy gemstones online?

A real gemstone looks flawless both on the website and in person. So, asking the retailer for a video call or proof that the gem shown online is the gem you get can ensure the color of the gemstone matches and is genuine. 

To judge the authenticity of a gemstone, clarity is an important factor. Natural gemstones have inclusions and that's what makes them easy to recognize. A real gemstone should have some inclusions, but not many. 

A certificate verifies the quality and authenticity of a gemstone and adds value to a purchase. It is pertinent to confirm that the gemstone is certified before making a purchase. 

Another indicator of a gemstone being genuine while buying online is checking for its origin. For example, the best yellow sapphires are from Srilanka and Myanmar but they can also be from Thailand, Australia, Madagascar, etc. This might be either mentioned on the certificate or the website. 

In the end…

Yes, buying astrological gemstones online is safe. However, you have to take precautions while you buy it. But, that goes for every purchase made online. Trusting a known brand like Brahma Gems is the first step in the right direction. For everything else, you can always consult a gemologist, a consultant in the industry, or even the internet (only for in-depth research).