There are many ways to protect yourself from losing money on a bogus online jeweler.  Credible, reliable vendors offer most, if not all, of the requirements listed below.  Look them over before the making any purchases – it’s a good checklist.  If you need more info, call the vendor and use this as a guide. 

1. So obviously, you can’t make a call to the vendor if they don’t list Contact Information!  If there’s no physical address and working phone number – there’s no deal.  It’s actually preferred to buy from an online retailer that also has a brick-and-mortar location.  That way, you know they aren’t going anywhere.
2. The retailer should also have a clean Better Business Bureau record.  A quick search online will tell you if they have any complaints against them.
3. They should also offer a lab appraisal or certificate with the engagement ring, by a FTC approved laboratory.  Also, never accept a certificate older than six months!  You never know what’s happened to the diamond since its last certification.  If they’re offering you and outdated certificate, get them to re-certify the diamond (at not cost to you).
4. Get  a bonding document guaranteeing the diamond is a 100% natural and not treated.
5. Get a lifetime breakage guarantee to guard against baked diamonds
6. See if they offer lifetime cash buy-backs to guarantee against any future customer dissatisfaction
7. Check to see if they have a lifetime exchange policy or a lifetime trade in policy
8. Do a quick price comparison, and make sure their prices are commensurate with others
9. Ask about their free annual services – do they do ring sizing, cleaning, etc?
10. Are there knowledgeable sales people to help you.
11. Do they take all major credit cards?

You should be pretty confident you aren’t getting robbed when buying that engagement ring, if your vendor meets most of these items.  If there are any probs, dispute the charge on your CC.  The Better Business Bureau can be also contacted.