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Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

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Find answers to common questions about jewellery, engagement ring & watch insurance. 

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Buying Diamonds Online vs. Retail: Pros and Cons

Q Report Team

Updated on March 19, 2025
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If you’re looking to buy diamonds, you have a big decision to make, and it very well may be an expensive one. You’ll have your choice of shopping at online or retail jewellers, but how do you know which is the best way to buy diamond jewellery?

The pros and cons of buying diamonds online vs. in a retail store are outlined below, and we also offer a conclusion based on this list.

Pros of Buying Diamonds Online

  • Online shopping gives you a greater selection.
    An online store is capable of offering a larger number of diamonds for sale than a brick-and-mortar jewellery store. As a result, you’ll have more options from which to choose.
  • It's more convenient.
    Although it’s usually easy to find a retail jewellery store that’s located near you, it can’t match the convenience of shopping online. You won’t have to leave your home in order to shop, compare, and buy, and you can shop whenever you like.
  • You may save money.
    Since online retailers have lower overheads, they can sometimes - but not always - offer lower prices than those you’ll find in a retail jewellery store.

Cons of Buying Diamonds Online

  • You can’t truly compare diamonds.
    When you’re looking online, you can see diamonds with the same colour, cut, clarity, and the number of carats, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same. Each diamond is unique, and you can’t truly compare them unless you’re looking at them in person.
  • You may not get the assistance you need.
    If you have questions or need assistance when you’re buying a diamond online, you may not receive much help. And you have no real idea of the knowledge and expertise of the person assisting you.
  • You’ll have to rely on a shipping service.
    Buying diamonds online means you’ll have to have to rely on a shipping service to get them to you safely and when you need them. This may cause problems if, for example, you’re buying an engagement ring and have planned your big proposal, but your ring doesn’t arrive in time. You may also need to pay costly import taxes on high-value items.

Pros of Buying Diamonds in a Retail Store

  • You’ll be able to see the diamonds you’re buying.
    In a retail store, you’ll be able to see and touch the diamonds you’re buying and compare them to others side by side. In comparison, you won’t be able to truly get an accurate representation of the way they look when you shop online.
  • You’ll get help from a professional who provides diamonds of assured quality.
    When you have questions or look at diamonds in a retail jewellery store, you’ll receive help from a professional who can answer any questions you may have and make informed suggestions. In addition, you can trust in the diamonds you can sell.
  • Retail jewellers can service your diamond jewellery.
    If you need a repair or regular cleaning for your diamond, the best place to get it is at the physical store where you bought it.

Cons of Buying Diamonds in a Retail Store

  • Shopping in a retail store takes more time.
    While a retail jewellery store probably has a large selection of diamonds, they’re limited by the size of the store. An online store can offer a greater selection of diamonds.
  • Shopping at retail stores can be inconvenient.
    When you shop at a retail store, you’ll only be able to do so when they’re open for business. And if you shop at more than one store, you’ll have to take the time to drive to and check out what each has to offer.
  • You may pay more.
    Shopping for diamonds in a retail store means that they may be priced higher in order to pay for their overhead. However, this isn’t always the case, so be sure to compare prices and ensure that you’re getting a good deal.

Which is Better for Buying Diamonds - Online or Retail?

After looking at the pros and cons, we believe it’s better to buy your diamonds in a trustworthy retail store where you’ll receive the expert assistance you need. 

In addition, each diamond is naturally made and unique, and you can only truly tell the difference from one to another by seeing them up close, holding them, and observing them in different light. You can also rest assured that a retail jeweller is ready to answer your questions and educate you on what you need to know to make an informed decision on what to buy. Buying diamonds is a big purchase, and you’ll need to have confidence in your jeweller as well as in your decision.

Buy your diamond jewellery from one of our Q Certified Jewellers, who are our trusted local partners and are authorised to issue Q Report Jewellery Insurance in store. To get a Q Report quote for jewellery insurance simply fill out this short form.

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Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK
Related Posts
Featured Posts
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Jewellery Insurance

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play-audio
Listen to article
/

If you’re looking to buy diamonds, you have a big decision to make, and it very well may be an expensive one. You’ll have your choice of shopping at online or retail jewellers, but how do you know which is the best way to buy diamond jewellery?

The pros and cons of buying diamonds online vs. in a retail store are outlined below, and we also offer a conclusion based on this list.

Pros of Buying Diamonds Online

  • Online shopping gives you a greater selection.
    An online store is capable of offering a larger number of diamonds for sale than a brick-and-mortar jewellery store. As a result, you’ll have more options from which to choose.
  • It's more convenient.
    Although it’s usually easy to find a retail jewellery store that’s located near you, it can’t match the convenience of shopping online. You won’t have to leave your home in order to shop, compare, and buy, and you can shop whenever you like.
  • You may save money.
    Since online retailers have lower overheads, they can sometimes - but not always - offer lower prices than those you’ll find in a retail jewellery store.

Cons of Buying Diamonds Online

  • You can’t truly compare diamonds.
    When you’re looking online, you can see diamonds with the same colour, cut, clarity, and the number of carats, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same. Each diamond is unique, and you can’t truly compare them unless you’re looking at them in person.
  • You may not get the assistance you need.
    If you have questions or need assistance when you’re buying a diamond online, you may not receive much help. And you have no real idea of the knowledge and expertise of the person assisting you.
  • You’ll have to rely on a shipping service.
    Buying diamonds online means you’ll have to have to rely on a shipping service to get them to you safely and when you need them. This may cause problems if, for example, you’re buying an engagement ring and have planned your big proposal, but your ring doesn’t arrive in time. You may also need to pay costly import taxes on high-value items.

Pros of Buying Diamonds in a Retail Store

  • You’ll be able to see the diamonds you’re buying.
    In a retail store, you’ll be able to see and touch the diamonds you’re buying and compare them to others side by side. In comparison, you won’t be able to truly get an accurate representation of the way they look when you shop online.
  • You’ll get help from a professional who provides diamonds of assured quality.
    When you have questions or look at diamonds in a retail jewellery store, you’ll receive help from a professional who can answer any questions you may have and make informed suggestions. In addition, you can trust in the diamonds you can sell.
  • Retail jewellers can service your diamond jewellery.
    If you need a repair or regular cleaning for your diamond, the best place to get it is at the physical store where you bought it.

Cons of Buying Diamonds in a Retail Store

  • Shopping in a retail store takes more time.
    While a retail jewellery store probably has a large selection of diamonds, they’re limited by the size of the store. An online store can offer a greater selection of diamonds.
  • Shopping at retail stores can be inconvenient.
    When you shop at a retail store, you’ll only be able to do so when they’re open for business. And if you shop at more than one store, you’ll have to take the time to drive to and check out what each has to offer.
  • You may pay more.
    Shopping for diamonds in a retail store means that they may be priced higher in order to pay for their overhead. However, this isn’t always the case, so be sure to compare prices and ensure that you’re getting a good deal.

Which is Better for Buying Diamonds - Online or Retail?

After looking at the pros and cons, we believe it’s better to buy your diamonds in a trustworthy retail store where you’ll receive the expert assistance you need. 

In addition, each diamond is naturally made and unique, and you can only truly tell the difference from one to another by seeing them up close, holding them, and observing them in different light. You can also rest assured that a retail jeweller is ready to answer your questions and educate you on what you need to know to make an informed decision on what to buy. Buying diamonds is a big purchase, and you’ll need to have confidence in your jeweller as well as in your decision.

Buy your diamond jewellery from one of our Q Certified Jewellers, who are our trusted local partners and are authorised to issue Q Report Jewellery Insurance in store. To get a Q Report quote for jewellery insurance simply fill out this short form.

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding the 4 Cs of Diamonds
Diamond Shapes
Choosing a Ring Style
Selecting a Ring Retailer

Understanding Mechanical Movements

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Statistic Heading

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Common Diamond Alternatives
for Engagement Rings

Tanzanite

Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Aquamarine

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Sapphire

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Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

“Knowing your engagement ring is insured brings peace of mind. Accidents can happen, and insurance coverage alleviates the worry and stress of potential loss or damage.”

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

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Expert Tip

Budget Considerations

Diamond shapes can vary in price due to popularity and demand. Round brilliants, for example, tend to be more expensive than other shapes due to their high demand. If budget is a concern, consider alternative shapes or prioritise other aspects, such as cut quality, over the shape itself.

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Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Jewellery Insurance FAQ

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.
Home Security Fortification

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Travel Savvy

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Social Media Caution

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Regular Valuations

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

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Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Home Security Fortification

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK

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