Buying Engagement Rings Online – Local Web Sites vs International Websites

In the world of fine jewellery the process of buying and selling, and prior to that researching for information on what is the right type of engagement ring for you has moved online; with virtually every step of the process of buying an engagement ring being carried out via the internet, until the physical product is made and delivered to into the hands of the buyer. When it comes to buying an engagement ring online, the first point to consider is that not all jewellery sites are built the same. Online jewellery companies vary depending on their size, history, capabilities and importantly, their country of origin. When it comes to choosing between locally-based and internationally based jewellery sites, both of which sell their products online, there are a number of factors to consider.

Identifying the Character of Online Jewellery Stores

The first and most important factor when it comes to answering this particular question is, in what part of the world is the jewellery store based. If the jewellery store in question is based in a certain part of the world and is focused only on serving the market that is regional in character. So local jewellery companies with an online presence will focus their attention solely on a market in a certain part of the world: a city, town, or district or state. So the idea of what is meant by the word ‘local’ will vary, but the principle is that it does cross geographic borders.

Ownership

When it comes to distinguishing between local and international jewellery stores, a notable factor that helps separate the two is the ownership structure. Jewellery companies that have an international presence and are focused on serving customers across the world, often tend to be larger, with more complex organizational structures, and business models: Which could mean large private companies, partnerships, or even public companies with shares enlisted on certain indexes. Companies that serve a local market tend to be smaller, and less complex in terms of their organization. Many locally-based jewellery companies tend to be family-owned, or operate as sole proprietorships. However there is an important distinction in that smaller locally based jewellery companies that serve a certain country, or region may still have an international focus. Notable here are startup jewellery companies.

Domain

Another way to identify if your jewellery company (i.e. its local or international character): In terms of its operation and scope, can be understood by looking at its domain. The basic distinction between online sites from .com, to .au, or .uk are indications that help understand the scope of the company. country-specific. The last part of the web address indicates the country where the company is operating in. However, this is not mean that for example, a company that has an address that ends with .au is necessarily locally based. Some companies tend to have two sites with different addresses, or sites that may seem locally based but are able to operate internationally. 

Contact Details 

Another way to identify the character of your jewellery site is by looking at its contact information. With locally based jewellery sites having details of the regions they are based in. International companies may have the same information or none at all. Or may have information that directs you back to the main site, of the country where the jewellery site is originally based in. Further, locally-based jewellery sites tend to provide an address of their physical location: either the actual stores or some other information that pertains to operations of the business, which gives the customer an indication of where the business is taking place.

Advantages of Purchasing From Local Online Jewellers

The reasons for buying from locally based online jewellers comes down to a number of factors. The most notable being the closeness and accessibility of the company in question. By closeness we mean the kind of cultural familiarity customers can develop with their potential jeweller. Which may reflect itself in the kind of products and manner in which the support services of the local company is carried.

Locality

This is the obvious and arguably the most important factor for those who seek out a locally based online jewellery store. As the company in question will tend to be an organisation that reflects many of the tastes and beliefs of the potential customer. Interestingly, locally-based jewellery stores sometimes may not have an online presence but may have optimised their operations: customer service, marketing and outreach to meet the specific requirements of their customers. Further, locally-based jewellery companies, as some buyers may know, have a specific range of jewellery that may vary in terms of design, and culture; jewels, in this case, engagement rings that carry a certain character that is more local or culturally familiar.

Why you Should Consider International Online Jewellery Company

When it comes to going for internally based online jewellery companies there are a number of factors that argue in their favour. Besides being bigger, and with larger inventories, and most notably a global presence there are a number of factors that work in favour of choosing an internationally based jewellery company. However, the potential engagement ring buyer needs to understand that these very factors can sometimes work against them. Depending on the expectations of the customer. For sometimes customers just prefer something different to what is on offer by international jewellery companies.

Brand Name

As noted, internationally-based jewellery companies tend to come with a distinct brand name, one that sets them apart from the rest and that makes them recognizable amidst local and international competitors. The brand name is important when it comes to fine jewellery, like engagement rings, as some customers are not just happy with paying a higher price, but also want the brand recognition that comes with buying from a well-recognized jewellery company. 

Representatives and Offices

This is an interesting one, for it may or may not work in favour of the international jewellery company. Certain organisations do maintain a local presence to service the customers in the part of the world they are operating in. Some organizations do not have a regional presence in international markets, however, they can offset this with strong online, or phone support, with effective courier services doing the rest. As many businesses are moving online, the importance of this factor is becoming less significant. However, some customers do value face-to-face contact, and companies that can provide them in stores are better positioned. But one-on-one contact can be established through online services, with technologies like Zoom aiding the process.

Time Factor

Time is an essential factor when it comes to buying a valuable engagement ring, and when it comes to the jeweller who is able to provide them on time, or in a given period, a number of factors come into play. Larger, internally based company, with a strong public profile and capital, are able to source materials, and technical expertise when it comes to developing designs etc. Which may help them make engagement rings at a faster time. However, this would depend on the company having and maintaining operations in the respective regions. As some large companies tend to import their finished products to the various countries in which operate.

Price Advantage Resulting from Economies of Scale

This is arguably the most significant strength of internationally based jewellery companies. International based jewellery companies, depending on their size, tend to have access to larger business operations and resources in terms of gemstones, such as sapphires, ring designs, precious metals and well established logistical support. Factors that translate into lower prices, as the advantages of economies of scale kick in. Depending on the size of the business operations, international jewellery companies can take advantage of these factors and provide a cheaper, or higher quality product. This is not to say that bigger is always better, but smaller jewellers which are geographically based, tend to have a smaller selection of women’s engagement rings or may have fewer modification options. 

What Type of Jeweller Should you go For?

Simple answer: It all depends. The world of fine jewellery is a constantly changing place. With new companies entering the scene making a mark or exiting it with no significant impact. The rise in online sales and the growing popularity of customisation options that they offer, has drawn more and more companies to this sphere. This means that more and more jewellery companies that start often start out locally, in time begin to establish or seek to establish a global presence and try to compete internationally. So it all depends on who you want to choose. Some companies which have a dedicated focus on the local market might be a better bet, based on familiarity and closeness, or larger international jewellers, with a global presence could be better.