Frequently Asked Questions
About our guarantee and return policy
Is my diamond guaranteed?
Any diamond you purchase from eSale-etc is guaranteed to be 'as described'. If you are not satisfied for any reason, you can return it for a full refund of the purchase price. Diamonds weighing more than 0.50 carat come with a certificate from the AGS, GIA, or EGL - among the most reputable independent gemological laboratories. Before listing a diamond for sale, it is inspected to assure that the characteristics described on the certificate are accurate.
What is eSale-etc's return policy?
eSale-etc allows 14 days after you receive the item for inspection, independent appraisal, etc. If you are not satisfied for any reason, you can return your item for a refund of the purchase price.

Special-order items are not returnable unless the result of an error by eSale-etc.

For U.S. customers, returned goods must be sent fully insured by USPS Registered Mail. Canadian or international customers who want to return items will receive shipping instructions from eSale-etc.

Do I need to contact eSale-etc before making a return?
Yes. Just let us know that you are planning to return your item, and we will issue an RMA (returned merchandise authorization) number. Please print the RMA number on the outside of the package you send back to eSale-etc.
 
What should be included in my return package?
Please include your item (packaged securely), any original packaging, the diamond certificate(s), and Gemprint registration(s). Also provide your name, address, item and RMA number.
 
When will I receive my refund?
Returned goods will be inspected for damage and Gemprinted to confirm that the returned item is the same diamond as the one sent. Assuming everything checks out, your refund will be issued within five business days.

Do I need to return the original diamond and Gemprint registration certificates along with the item to receive a full refund?
Yes

Where do I send my returned item?

eSale-etc
P.O. Box 158
Avon, CT 06001.

What does shipping 'fully insured' mean?
The delivery service insures your package for its full value. If the package is lost in transit by the delivery service, you recover the insured amount.

What's a traceable delivery service? Why is it important to use one?
Traceable delivery services require that the recipient sign for a package upon delivery. That way, they can prove the item was delivered to the appropriate address. At eSale-etc we insist that packages are signed for by the addressee. We want to be sure that the item is received by the person who bought it.

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About payment

Which forms of payment do you accept?
You can pay by Bank or Postal Money Order, Bank Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Bank Wire; payment by credit card (Mastercard or VISA) for U.S. customers only. An email will be sent to you shortly after the auction end that explains your payment options. If you want to pay by bank wire, ask us for routing information.

Your item is generally shipped on the next business day after receipt of payment. Payment by Personal Check may delay shipment until funds clear our bank (up to 14 days). Mounted and/or special-order items are generally shipped within three business days after receipt of payment.

Can I pay with PayPal?
Yes.

Why don't you accept Billpoint or PayPal?
Billpoint and PayPal facilitate online credit card processing between buyer and seller. That's not the same as dealing directly through the banking network that VISA and Mastercard have established. We think it's easier and safer to work through the banks, rather than involve a middle-man.

How do you protect against credit card fraud?
Online credit card fraud is a huge problem, and it's getting worse. It's bad for businesses selling on the Web. It's bad for buyers because merchants have to raise prices to cover their losses.

Working with Wells Fargo Bank, we have taken necessary steps to assure that our customers' privacy is protected, and that we are all a lot safer from credit card fraud.

  • We use Transact-Secure (www.transact-secure.net) to confirm the buyer's identity, virtually eliminating the risk that someone is buying with a stolen card.
  • We then use Authorizenet (www.authorizenet.com) to approve the amount you wish to charge.
  • Finally, we may call you before shipment to confirm the order and delivery details.

The personal information you provide to Transact-Secure and Authorizenet is transmitted over secure servers, and is completely confidential. It is not available to us.

If you have any questions or concerns about paying with your credit card, please contact us.

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About Diamond Sellers

What are the key reasons to buy diamonds on the Internet?
You can find a great selection of diamonds of every size and quality, plus a wealth of information that helps you to shop smart. Also, the Internet makes it possible for true diamond wholesalers, brokers and dealers to sell direct to the public. These sellers buy diamonds for less than retail stores, and can sell to you for less.

What are the best reasons to buy diamonds in a retail store?
You have face-to-face contact with a salesperson in a retail store, and that's comforting to a lot of shoppers. Also, you can often see the actual diamond you are purchasing before you buy. You have to be careful, however, to examine their diamonds in a natural light setting; the bright store lights can add brilliance and fire, making very average gems look exceptional.

Why is it important for a seller to own its inventory?
It's the only way a seller can fully answer questions about the diamonds offered. Also, the seller has made a commitment to the diamonds he owns; you can be sure that they were purchased with care, and an eye toward value. Remember, not all diamonds with the same characteristics are equally beautiful, and not all diamond certificates report color and clarity accurately. If the seller hasn't seen it, you shouldn't buy it.

How can some Internet sellers offer a selection of 50,000 diamonds or more?
The diamond industry has several large databases that can be accessed remotely by dealers, wholesalers and brokers. That's why you can often find the same diamond for sale on different sites, often for very different prices. Users of these databases rarely see the actual diamond they sell, rather it's drop-shipped to the buyer by someone else.

What does 'wholesale' mean?
Wholesalers sell to resellers of merchandise. For example, grocery stores buy products from wholesalers and resell them to the public. Traditionally, it's been very unusual for wholesalers to service both retailers and the public; the conflict of interest is obvious. The Internet has changed all that - a new breed of sellers like eSale-etc is emerging that can market their products equally effectively to resellers and consumers alike.

What's the difference between wholesalers, brokers, dealers and retailers?
Retailers sell only to the public. Wholesalers, brokers and dealers may sell to retailers and/or jewelry manufacturers, but can use the Internet to sell directly to consumers as well.

Wholesalers, brokers and dealers may differ in the type of reseller they supply. Brokers typically service big accounts, feature low prices, offer little service, and rarely own their inventory. Wholesalers and dealers sell to both large and small retailers at attractive prices while providing a good level of service; they usually have inventory available for immediate delivery.

Why should I buy my diamonds and settings separately?
Jewelry sellers like to increase their profit by 'bundling' the sale. If you know exactly what you are paying for each component, you can get the best deal.

What is DeBeers? What do they do?
DeBeers is a mining company that controls about 40% of the world's diamond production and distribution. Through about 150 Site Holders (cutters), DeBeers sells rough diamonds about 10 times each year. They are also active promoters of diamond buying; you see their television commercials throughout the year.

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Protecting Your Diamond Purchase 

How can I protect myself against dishonest sellers?
The best way is to check their reputation (feedback) and to communicate before the sale. Asking questions is a great way to learn how responsive the seller is likely to be after the sale. Never buy diamonds that have no guarantee of satisfaction or return privilege. Buying diamonds with AGS, GIA or EGL certificates also provides protection; it's a felony to deliberately send a diamond that does not match its accompanying certificate.

How does the Gemprint system work?
The Gemprint System plots the internal pattern of light reflections within a diamond. Since no two diamonds have the same pattern, Gemprint works just like a fingerprint. In fact, Gemprints are generally accepted in court as proof of a specific diamond's identity and ownership.

Why is it important to Gemprint your diamond?
Gemprint gives you peace of mind. You can safely leave your diamond with an appraiser or jewelry store without worrying about it's being switched for another gem. Also, you have a better chance of recovering a lost or stolen diamond if it's Gemprinted. Your diamond's Gemprint will be stored in a central database; recovered diamonds can be checked against the database to determine if it is yours.

Additionally, you can save on your personal insurance policy. Many companies offer discounts on insurance for Gemprinted diamonds. You can find a list of participating companies at the Gemprint website.

Does laser-inscription really protect my diamond?
No. Laser inscription on the girdle of a diamond is designed to make you feel that your diamond is individually identifiable and, therefore, protected against theft. Since it's easy to erase or alter the inscription, it's not a deterrent to a thief, and very unlikely to be helpful in recovering a lost or stolen diamond. If you want to protect your diamond, a Gemprint is the best way to go.

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Diamond Certificates, Appraisals 

Why is a diamond certificate important?
It provides useful information about the characteristics of the diamond you are considering. Certificates are issued by independent gemological laboratories that are not involved in the selling process; they simply report the facts.

Are there differences between gemological laboratories?
Yes. Even the leading laboratories have different reputations. The GIA and AGS are generally considered the most conservative graders, while EGL is a bit more generous. That's why you will pay a bit more for a diamond with a GIA or AGS certificate than for a diamond with an EGL certificate and the same characteristics.

What's the difference between a diamond certificate and an appraisal?
A certificate is a report on a diamond's characteristics from an independent gemological laboratory. You can arrive at a fair assessment of market value by studying the certificate and comparison shopping. An appraisal is an estimate of market value. Be careful if your appraiser is also a diamond seller; it's a conflict of interest and makes it very hard to be independent. If your diamond appraises for much more than the selling price, get a second (independent) opinion.

Should I consider a diamond that has been color or clarity enhanced?
No. Enhancements may not be permanent, may weaken the diamond, and do not increase value.

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About eSale-etc

How are eSale-etc diamonds priced?
The minimum price we accept, whether an eBay opening bid, Reserve price, or website price, is very close to the wholesale price we charge to jewelry stores. We do not sell diamonds below our cost; diamond professionals never do.

How do I contact eSale-etc?
E-mail: service@esale-etc.com
Postal Address:
eSale-etc
P.O. Box 158
Avon, CT 06001.
Phone: 860-508-0388