Buying fine jewelry online can seem nerve-wracking at first.  After all, you're not able to see or handle the jewelry personally which puts many people off.  At the same time, the streamlined and lower prices offered through online channels offer an attractive option for buyers who want value.

So the question becomes - How can I shop smart when buying jewelry online?

That's why we've come up with these five simple and easy tips for people who want the value offered by online merchants without giving up the hands on security of "Real World" jewelers.

1.  Do Your Homework

Do you now how to assess the qualities of the gemstone you want as the centerpiece of your ring?  Do you know how to determine the purity of the metal?  Do you know what kind of gemstone you want?  the setting that will match your style?

These are all basic questions you will need to answer before you begin to even look at rings.  Understanding what you want and how to evaluate what's on offer will go a long way in helping you find the best deal online or off.  Check out Instagram accounts, Snapchat stories and even Facebook streams to find out which gemstone, setting and style you want before you start shopping around.

2.  Set a Budget

Once you have an idea what you're looking for, it's time to decide how much you're willing to spend.  Setting a budget can be difficult if this is the first time you're splurging on a high-quality piece.  Here are some tips to creating a budget you can stick to:

• Check Out What Similar Pieces Cost – Get an idea for the range you're looking at based on the gemstones, cuts and metal you've decided on.
• Consider Diverting Splurges – We all have our creature comforts, how much do yours mean to you?  If you want to give your budget a boost without spreading yourself too thin, consider swapping out other expenses.  Whether it's skipping Margarita Monday for a few months or avoiding eBay for awhile, redirecting some of your extra expenses can improve your jewelry budget.
• Set a Realistic Number – While you don't want to overspend, you also don't want to set a budge that's so low you'll end up disregarding it anyway.  Settle on a happy medium that gives you flexibility in spending without stretching your overall budget.
• Remember, It's a Budget, Not a Target – Just because you set a budget of, say $1,000, that doesn't mean you have to commit to spending that much.  The truth is that you are likely to find some great deals when shopping online, so if you end up spending less, bank the rest for your next shopping trip.

3.  Shop By Budget

Now that you have a budget in place, it's time to put it to work.  When looking around at various online sellers, start by shopping according to price.  It will help you to stay focused and on track.  Don't worry, you can lose the price filters to shop around for your dream pieces once you've placed an order.

4.  Use Your Purchasing Power for Good

Everyone known you should work with a company that has a great reputation for customer service, but what about the rest of that company's reputation?  Gemstones and jewelry making have an unfortunate reputation for being rife with unethical behavior.  From mining practices that strip value and beauty from land to trade policies that exploit local artists and cultures, there have been too many scandals.

That's why it's important to research companies before you decide to work with them.  The most powerful tool we have when it comes to being a force of change in the world is as a consumer.  The hard and fast truth is that companies respond to their bottom line.  Supporting a company that engages in ethical practices makes them stronger which, in turn, drives home the message that character matters even more than prices.

5.  Make Sure Your Investment is Protected

Building a jewelry collection that features high-quality pieces is an investment from Day One.  Make sure the piece you're buying will truly last a lifetime by ensuring there's a warranty in place.  A good company will spell out their warranty in clear terms.  If you do have questions about what's covered or what you should expect in terms of service, reach out through their contact options.  This will not only answer any questions you have, it will also give you a preview of how responsive they are to queries.

There are plenty of great places to shop online for jewelry.  While shopping online has plenty of benefits, it can also be a challenge when buying something such as fine jewelry.  These five tips should help you find the best deals, the best company and the pieces for a collection that reflects you.