It is often much cheaper to buy your jewelry online because online retailers have lower overhead and aren't paying for a storefront, but you should be careful and make sure you aren't getting snookered by a fishy deal.

There are some simple things you can do to make sure this doesn't happen. First off, make sure you've done your homework on jewelry. All that glitters is not gold and the jewelry business can be quite complicated. Make sure you know how diamonds are graded and what stones are precious and semi-precious. As well as understanding the carat system for gold and diamonds.

Ask your online retailer about some sort of guarantee for the product. If the website doesn't have a guarantee or return policy listed online or if you can't even find a phone number to call customer service run to your nearest exit button. Also check and see if the product comes with documentation. Diamonds sold that are over one carat usually come with their own papers. Plus it may be a good idea to check an see if there are any complaints with the company listed on the better business bureau's website.

Before you place your order make sure you know the proper gauge for earrings and the correct ring size. It can be annoying to wait weeks for your hot new piece of jewelry only to find out when it arrives that you can't wear it. It will have to be exchanged for a piece of the proper size and that can take more time.

Lastly, beware of websites that ask for unusual payment methods, like they only accept your checking account. Usually if a company is set up for debit they are also set up for credit. And credit is a safer payment method because the credit company has their own guarantees about fraud protection.