Must read: 7 things to keep in mind while buying gold online

With several online jewellery shopping sites, purchasing gold items is just a click away. But here's all that you must know about buying gold online.

7 things to keep in mind while buying gold online

Buying gold online has become as simple as ordering pizza. You select the piece you like, add it to the cart, pay online or opt for 'cash on delivery' and voila! The product is with you in no time.

And with several online jewellery shopping sites and famous brands setting shop online, purchasing gold items is just a click away.

But even this simple online shopping needs careful consideration as it involves high risk monetary transaction. So should that make you wary of purchasing online?

Click 'Start Gallery' to check why not and how to make this process really simple if it's your first time shopping for gold online.

Check the authenticity of the site

The minute you type "gold jewellery online," your search engine will throw open several websites. And while many may look authentic, look for sites that do not allow bargain.

So a branded jewellery shop that also has online outlets like Tanishq or Malabar Gold and Diamond for instance could be a good bet, however a bargain site operating from China or elsewhere is not a safe bet.

Check the purity of the gold offered

Once you have identified the site you would like to purchase from and selected the item, make sure to check for purity.

Ideally, gold is available in 24, 22, 18 as well as 14 carat. As more metals such as copper, nickel and silver are added, the actual gold carats go down.

In case, you are buying gold with stones or diamonds, even then the items will be in less than 24 carat as pure 24 carat is extremely soft and setting stones needs the addition of another metal to make it harder and stronger.

Check if the seller is offering hallmark certification

Another important parameter to purchase gold online is to check BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) generation by the seller.

Ideally, all gold and jewellery sellers should offer BIS hallmark jewellery that states the carat and gms of gold as well as its purity.

Check details of making charges before your purchase

Once you have checked the purity and hallmark certification on the piece you selected, you must check how much making charge is being added to the actual cost of the product.

Make sure you ask for a detailed bill so you know exactly how much making charge you are being asked. This also helps to identify how much money you are paying for stones or diamonds in your item.

Check the buy back or return policy

Buying gold means paying a hefty amount for a small item and therefore, you must be clear about the buy back policy of the seller or check if he has one.

Check if the seller offers easy returns and exchange. Some sellers even offer a 'try at home' option and perhaps that's a good idea if you are purchasing gold online for the first time.

Also check if they offer resizing facilities, especially if you are purchasing rings or bangles.

Check for an authentic bill

Although most authentic websites offer bills, from your end you can make sure that important details such as clarity of stones, purity and weight of gold, as well as return and exchange policies are categorically mentioned. If not, write to the sellers and ask for these details.

In case if you are buying gold bullions or even coins, use the same process to get maximum details listed on your bill.

And finally, know that buying gold online is no different from buying regular clothes and with these handy tips, we are sure you will have an easy and smooth experience.

Share your own online gold purchasing experience with us. How was it for you, do let us know.

Also read: Is the gold in your house pure of fake? Here's how you can find out