Buying jewelry online gives you more range and lets you shop any time, while buying in store lets you see the color, feel the weight and get sized on the spot. Either way, you should ask the same questions before you pay: what metal and karat it is, whether it is solid or plated, how much it weighs, what the stones are, and what the return policy says.
Good jewelry is a long-term purchase. Here is how to shop smart wherever you buy.
What are the pros of buying jewelry online?
- You can browse a whole collection at once and compare pieces side by side.
- You can shop at any hour, and take your time without pressure.
- Good listings put the details in writing: karat, weight, width, length and stones.
The tradeoff: photos can make a piece look bigger or brighter than it is, and you can't try it on. That is why the written details matter so much online.
What are the pros of buying jewelry in store?
- You see the real color and size in person, on your own skin.
- You can feel the weight, which tells you a lot about solid vs hollow gold.
- You can get sized for a ring or try bracelet and chain lengths.
- You can ask questions and get answers right away from the person behind the counter.
Many people do both: browse online, then come in to see the short list in person.
What should I ask before buying any piece?
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What is the metal and karat? 10K is 41.7% gold, 14K is 58.3% and 18K is 75%. Look for the stamp (10K/417, 14K/585, 18K/750).
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Is it solid gold, hollow or plated? Plated jewelry has a thin gold layer over another metal and can wear through. It should be clearly labeled.
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How much does it weigh? For solid gold, grams are a big part of the value. Compare weight, not just size.
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What are the exact dimensions? Width in millimeters, length in inches, hoop or stud diameter.
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What are the stones? Natural diamond, lab-grown diamond and CZ are different things. Ask for carat weight and grades. Our guide to natural, lab-grown and CZ explains the difference.
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What is the return policy? Ask how many days you have, what condition the piece must be in, and whether custom pieces can be returned.
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Can it be sized, repaired or engraved later? Ask before you buy, not after.
How do I get the size right when buying online?
Measure before you order. For rings, use our at-home ring size guide. For chains, measure one you already like or lay a string around your neck; our gold chain buying guide has a length chart. For bracelets, measure your wrist and add half an inch to an inch.
How does it work at Golden Palace?
We are a family-owned jeweler with 30 years in business, and you can shop with us online or in person.
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Clear listings: each product shows the metal and karat and, where relevant, the weight, width or length, and stones. Gold-plated items are labeled as plated.
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Returns: in-stock pieces can be returned within 30 days of delivery if unworn, undamaged and in the original packaging. Refunds go back to your original payment method within 5–7 business days of receipt.
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Custom pieces: custom nameplates and other custom pieces are made to order in 10–14 business days. Custom and personalized pieces are final sale, but we'll work with you to make sure you're happy with it.
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In-store services: jewelry repair, ring sizing, engraving, ear piercing and custom work. Call or text for details.
Browse our gold chains, rings and bracelets, or shop by budget in our under $500 collection.
Visit or text us
Seen something online and want to look at it in person first? Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open Mon–Sat 10 AM–7 PM and Sun 11 AM–5 PM, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Start with our chains collection.
Buying Jewelry Online vs In Store: What to Ask Before You Buy
Buying jewelry online gives you more range and lets you shop any time, while buying in store lets you see the color, feel the weight and get sized on the spot. Either way, you should ask the same questions before you pay: what metal and karat it is, whether it is solid or plated, how much it weighs, what the stones are, and what the return policy says.
Good jewelry is a long-term purchase. Here is how to shop smart wherever you buy.
What are the pros of buying jewelry online?
The tradeoff: photos can make a piece look bigger or brighter than it is, and you can't try it on. That is why the written details matter so much online.
What are the pros of buying jewelry in store?
Many people do both: browse online, then come in to see the short list in person.
What should I ask before buying any piece?
How do I get the size right when buying online?
Measure before you order. For rings, use our at-home ring size guide. For chains, measure one you already like or lay a string around your neck; our gold chain buying guide has a length chart. For bracelets, measure your wrist and add half an inch to an inch.
How does it work at Golden Palace?
We are a family-owned jeweler with 30 years in business, and you can shop with us online or in person.
Browse our gold chains, rings and bracelets, or shop by budget in our under $500 collection.
Visit or text us
Seen something online and want to look at it in person first? Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open Mon–Sat 10 AM–7 PM and Sun 11 AM–5 PM, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Start with our chains collection.