Introduction

Fine jewelry is available online for up to 50 percent less than you'd pay retail or wholesale. For such a large investment, however, you'll want to be sure you're buying from a trusted and reliable source - and that you have done enough homework to make a smart decision.

Step One
Familiarize yourself with how to measure quality in gold, diamonds or other items you may wish to purchase. Know the difference between carats and karats.

Step Two
Enter the word "jewelry" in a search engine such as Google or Yahoo. If desired, enter more specific words such as "rings," "diamonds" or "gold."

Step Three
Browse sites for information. Some sites offer jewelry made by known manufacturers while others have their own jewelers that make the pieces for sale.

Step Four
Read information on guarantees, secure ordering and returns. A piece of jewelry is a major investment, and you want to be sure your purchase is guaranteed and that your purchase price can be refunded if you want to return the item.

Step Five
Check to see if certificates are given, particularly for diamonds.

Step Six
If you are confident that the site is secure and reputable, browse the categories ("diamonds," "gold," "watches," "rings," and so on) or do a site search using the key word or words of the item you are looking for ("gold watch," "diamond ring," and so on).

Step Seven
If you find a piece that interests you, you may have to click its image to make it larger so you can get a better look. While this is not necessarily a good substitute for seeing the piece in person, it will give you a pretty good idea of what the piece looks like.

Step Eight
When you order, pay special attention to sizes and other options offered. (For example, do you want the diamond set in a yellow gold or white gold band?)