Over the past ten years, the number of online shoppers has grown tremendously as a result of technological improvements in the industry. Sadly, this has also increased the likelihood of fraudulent activity and the sale of fake goods. Online sales of natural gemstones continue to raise questions because of this. People are hesitant to buy anything online, especially expensive products like gemstones, due to the frequency of fraudulent sales, which are accompanied by alluring images, persuading content, spam advertisements, and constant assurances.

So, is it safe to buy gemstones online? Here are three questions to consider for a secure online gemstone purchase.

How long has the gemstone seller been in business? 

If a brand has been in operation for more than five years and has a good reputation, it is generally a safer choice compared to others. Brands with a poor reputation for selling low-quality or fake gemstones typically do not last more than one to two years. It is advisable to conduct thorough research on the specific dealer you are considering and even look for any complaints online to ensure their credibility.

Are the images of the gems on the website genuine? 

When assessing the authenticity of gemstone images on a website, it is important to determine whether they are stock photos or genuine representations. Some websites use stock photos, and untrustworthy ones may attempt to pass off commonly found gemstone images as their own. These images might have faint watermarks. You can also inquire with the webmaster about the source of the photo, whether it is from stock or an actual image from the brand.

1. Does the seller have a clear return, refund, or exchange policy? Considering that jewelry is valuable and represents an investment, legitimate online sellers should have a well-defined and transparent return or exchange policy. The policy should clearly state the terms, such as the specified timeframe for returns and payment of shipping fees. It's worth noting that most return policies should not charge more than a 5% restocking fee.

If you choose to trust a reputable brand like Khanna Gems for your online gemstone purchase, you can alleviate concerns as they offer a transparent 10-day return and replacement policy, all the images on their website are genuine and taken by the brand itself, and they have been in business for nearly a decade.

Buying genuine gemstones online in India - Benefits of trusting a reliable brand

1. Fault-free gems for optimal results.
2. Transparent and convenient payment options.
3. Assurance of easy returns and exchanges with reputable brands.
4. Genuine certifications.
5. Gemologist-approved gemstones.
6. Clear communication from the beginning.
7. A variety of options to suit different budgets, allowing everyone to have the opportunity to enhance their lives.

Can gemstones fail? Yes, gemstones can fail whether you buy them online or offline. However, several factors may contribute to their failure.

• Recommendation of the wrong gemstone for an individual.
• Inaccurate recommendation or incorrect gemstone selection.
• Incorrect timing of wearing the gemstone (too early or too late).
• Improper usage of the gemstone (wrong metal, wrong finger, etc.).
• Insufficient research conducted on the gemstone.

Tips for buying gemstones online

• Request a video call or proof from the retailer to ensure that the gemstone you see online is the same one you will receive, ensuring the color and authenticity match.
• Clarity is an important factor in judging the authenticity of a gemstone. Natural gemstones have inclusions, which are characteristics that make them identifiable. A genuine gemstone should have some inclusions, but not an excessive amount.
• Verify the quality and authenticity of the gemstone through a certificate, as it adds value to the purchase. It is essential to confirm that the gemstone is certified before making a purchase.
• Checking the origin of the gemstone can also indicate its authenticity while buying online. For example, the finest yellow sapphires often come from Sri Lanka and Myanmar, but they can also originate from Thailand, Australia, Madagascar, and other locations. This information may be mentioned on the certificate or the website.

Buying astrological gemstones online can be safe, but it is important to exercise caution and take necessary precautions. Trusting a well-known brand like Brahma Gems is a step in the right direction. For additional guidance, you can consult a gemologist, or an industry consultant, or conduct in-depth research online.