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5 critical things to do before buying jewellery online

08/2021
woman wearing earrings

Buying jewellery online can be convenient, but it is wise to proceed with caution and make sure your purchase is legitimate and arrives in your hands whole and beautiful.

Here are a few things you’ll want to do before you click “purchase” online:

 

  1. Research the seller

    Do your due diligence on the seller first. Read other buyers’ comments or reviews, to see whether the seller has a reputation for being ethical, fair, and easy to work with.

  2. Read the fine print

    Review the seller’s privacy policy to see whether they share your email or contact information with third-party organisations. Carefully read their exchange and return policy as well, to make sure that if you’re not happy with what you received, or something comes to you damaged, you will have some recourse.

     

  1. Request pictures

    Ask the seller for detailed pictures to ensure the quality of the jewellery you’re purchasing. For example, if the site claims the piece is signed or the metal is a certain quality, request a photo of the signature or metal purity stamp on the piece.

  2. Make sure it’s packaged carefully

    Scratches are a common cause of jewellery damage, so make sure that your piece is packaged carefully and tightly, so it cannot be easily tossed around in transit. Request that the seller pack each individual item in a soft cloth pouch that can be sealed or tied shut so the piece can’t come loose during shipping. Make sure the cloth pouch fits snuggly within its shipping box – packing with extra bubble wrap or tissue paper can help. Additionally, twisting and bending semi-rigid chains or other jewellery pieces can cause permanent damage. Pay extra if need be to ensure that your item is shipped in a box that is large enough.

  3. Verify your coverage

    Especially when you are purchasing expensive diamonds, gemstones, and jewellery with precious metals, there is no guarantee that your existing home and contents policy will provide sufficient protection if the piece is lost, damaged, or stolen. Before buying a piece online, contact your agent or broker to see what coverage you have in place. Consider a policy to specifically cover your listed valuable articles that provides worldwide cover and automatic coverage for newly acquired jewelry to ensure that your purchase is protected from the moment you click “buy.”

This content is brought to you by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (“Chubb”) as a convenience to readers and is not intended to constitute advice (professional or otherwise) or recommendations upon which a reader may rely. Any references to insurance cover are general in nature only and may not suit your particular circumstances. Chubb does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and any insurance cover referred to is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions set out in the relevant policy wording. Please obtain and read carefully the relevant insurance policy before deciding to acquire any insurance product. A policy wording can be obtained at www.chubb.com/au, through your broker or by contacting any of the Chubb offices. Chubb makes no warranty or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the content. Readers relying on any content do so at their own risk. It is the responsibility of the reader to evaluate the quality and accuracy of the content. Reference in this content (if any) to any specific commercial product, process, or service, and links from this content to other third party websites, do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by Chubb and shall not be used for advertising or service/product endorsement purposes. ©2024 Chubb Insurance Australia Limited ABN: 23 001 642 020 AFSL: 239687. Chubb®, its logos, and Chubb.Insured.SM are protected trademarks of Chubb.

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