In recent years online jewellery sales have made up between 5 and 10% of the global jewellery market. This number is only projected to grow as more and more people take their shopping online, particularly as a result of the pandemic.

While in the past you may have enjoyed shopping for jewellery in person, buying your rings, necklaces and earrings online has many advantages. From supporting small and eco-friendly businesses to finding unique designs made by independent designers, there's never been a better time to shop for jewellery online.

But how do you right the right jewellery store online to suit your budget, your values and your sense of style?

If you're ready to work out how to find the best online jewellery store to suit you, keep reading. Here are our top 5 tips for finding the best stores to suit your style, your budget and more.

1. Figure Out What You Need

The first step to buying online jewellery is to figure out what you need. Are you looking for stackable rings? A striking necklace with pendant for a special occasion? Or dainty gold earrings for everyday wear?

If you're not sure of what you need, take a look at your existing jewellery collection and think about what will make it work better for you and add value to what you already have.

For example, you may have many statement pieces that you love but don't want to wear every day. In this case, you'll want to get some everyday jewellery that you can wear to work, to lunch with friends or while running errands. Take a look at our wardrobe basics for some simple examples.

Alternatively, if you have plenty of wardrobe basics but nothing much for getting dressed up, then look at our statement jewellery for inspiration.

Another way to figure out what you need is to look at your wardrobe. This step is important because it helps you match your new jewellery to what you already have (which is great for your budget).

If most of your clothes are warm tones like red and brown, then gold jewellery could be the perfect match. Alternatively if you wear mostly cool tones like turquoise or purple, then silver jewellery can make the colours pop.

Get for lots more jewellery style tips and ideas in our handy article.

2. Identify Your Preferred Jewellery Types

One of the best parts of shopping at an online jewellery store is that you avoid the overwhelm of shopping in-store. So once you know what you need, all you need to do is conduct a search and filter it accordingly.

Examples of common jewellery types include:

• Stud earrings
• Drop earrings
• Hoop earrings
• Beaded necklaces
• Layering necklaces
• Chain necklaces
• Cocktail rings
• ... and many more

Ideally the best store for you has all (or most) of the styles you prefer. This also makes ordering from the store cost-effective, as you'll only pay one sum for shipping or will easily reach the minimum needed for free shipping, if it's offered.

When you're deciding on your preferred jewellery types, think about what you usually wear.

If you have a lot of turtlenecks or wear your hair back often, then drop or hoop earrings are a great jewellery choice. But if you wear a lot of v-neck or scoop-neck tops, you can try experimenting with different necklace lengths to see what makes you feel most confident. Check out our necklace length and style guide for tips

Also deciding which materials you prefer your jewellery to be made from is a great starting point for finding what you love. Do you prefer gold or silver? Or do you wear both? Are you looking for solid gold or less expensive gold jewellery? What are your preferred gemstones? How do you feel about costume jewellery made with non-precious metals, glass and other materials?

Once you've narrowed down what you're looking for in terms of jewellery type and materials, then it's much easier to search for them online. Most online jewellery stores also allow you to shop by category and to further filter larger categories. We certainly do this.

3. Show Your Personality

The key to successfully shopping at online jewellery stores is making sure they have pieces that suit your personality and your own unique sense of style.

For example, you might prefer wearing very different jewellery styles for different occasions. This could mean a simple pendant necklace for a casual lunch and a handmade statement necklace for a wedding or dinner party. If this is your style, then an online store with variety is perfect for you.

On the other hand, if you have a classic and timeless style, you might enjoy gemstone stud earrings and pearls. In this case, you might prefer online jewellery stores that offer classic looks for all occasions.

If you're creative and are looking for unique jewellery pieces that express your creativity, then searching for artisan made or handmade jewellery is a great option.

Rather than simply being a slave to fashion, have a think about what makes you 'you' and how what you wear can best express that. Then go searching for online jewellery stores which are a good fit.

We recommend checking out an online jewellery store's "about us" page to get a better feel for what they're all about. Have a think about whether their style will be a fit with your own.

Another way to get a feel for a store's personality is to follow them on social media. This can give you a better idea of the types of jewellery they sell and how they market their products.

5. Set a Budget

When it comes to online jewellery shopping, it's important to set a budget. This will help you narrow down your search and find the best store for you.

Think about how much you're willing to spend on each piece of jewellery. It also helps to organise your budget by jewellery type and how often you'll wear different pieces.

For example, if you wear stud earrings on most days, you'll want a high-quality pair that can withstand wear and tear.

Besides thinking about the cost of each piece, when shopping online it's also important to factor in the cost of shipping and any import duties if you are buying internationally.

Shopping for Australian jewellery is a great way to support local businesses while saving on shipping costs.

5. Match Your Shopping Ethics

The best online jewellery store for you is the one that matches your shopping ethics. For example, are you looking for Australian jewellers that sell only sustainable jewellery? Or are you looking for a store that gives back to the community in some way? Or perhaps you are looking to support small businesses rather than big name brands.

Some key indicators of ethical jewellery include eco-friendly shipping materials and recycled metals, like the ones we use at Simone Walsh Jewellery.

(Reading this on a website that isn't simonewalsh.com? Be aware that the content has been stolen, infringing the copyright of a small business. ABN: 65108844126)

And once you've found a store that matches your ethics, you can shop with confidence knowing you're supporting a business that aligns with your values.

The Best Online Jewellery Store for Your Needs

While searching for the right Australian jeweller may take time, it's worth it when you find jewellery that suits your style and your ethical values.

And when you take the time to find the best online jewellery store, you'll be able to get high-quality pieces that you'll wear for years to come!

At Simone Walsh, we offer high-quality, sustainable jewellery with the creative woman in mind. Our unique pieces are the perfect way to add personality to your outfit while supporting our ethically-run workshop.

So whether you're looking for earrings, necklaces, or statement pieces, take a look at our collections today!

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