Diamond Buying Tips

Diamonds can be found in a range of prices, and you are certain to find one within our site that suites your taste and your budget.

To establish a diamond's price, examine each of the 4C's: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight, the combination of the 4C's determines the value of a particular diamond. The finest diamonds have the rarest quality in each of the 4C's.

• Cut : The cut of a diamond has a tremendous affect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull.
• Color : Colorless and near-colorless diamonds are most highly valued and are priced accordingly. Other diamonds may have a slight tint of color, and some can even have a readily noticeable tint, which can diminish the brilliance.
• Clarity : Diamonds completely free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are very rare and highly valued. Clarity is graded based on the number, location, size, and type of the inclusions found in a diamond.
• Carat Weight : The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. Since larger diamonds are more rare than smaller diamonds, diamond value tends to rise exponentially with carat weight.

Buying a diamond can be a complicated affair, especially if the buyer doesn't know what to look for. Following are the general diamond buying tips.

1. Learn as much as you can about diamonds.
2. Always trust your eye. If something about a diamond doesn't look quite right, believe your eyes.
3. Shop around and compare.
4. Compare the actual price you are paying, not the percent of discount. Large discounts indicate higher mark-ups.
5. Compare quality and price together for value. Diamond prices vary drastically with quality differences. A cheap price is not always a bargain.
6. Ask to see the diamond in a microscope or dia view. A jewelers loupe is difficult to use if you are not experienced.
7. Ask to view the color of the diamond in comparison with a GIA certified diamond. Remember a loose diamond is much easier to color grade.
8. Ask for a written and signed appraisal of the diamonds quality on their letterhead with your purchase. Ask them to use the GIA grading scale.
9. Ask if the diamond is certified and to see a copy of the certificate.
10. Check it out that it is from a reputable gemological laboratory or not.
11. Ask about extra charges such as labor to set the diamond, ring sizing charges, appraisal charges, charges to solder together a engagement and wedding band and factor them into the total cost. Is there an additional discount if you purchase a man's and ladies ring together? Do they offer insurance, and how much is it? If you are financing, what are the finance charges?
12. What is their guarantee? Find out if the diamond will be set and sized on the premises. Is there someone there who is knowledgeable about jewelry repair if you should have a problem? How quick can they give you service?
13. Ask friends and family where they have purchased jewelry and have been happy with their purchase.
14. Buy your diamond from someone you trust who will be there to help you in the future if you have any questions or problems with your jewelry. Do not buy from anyone you do not trust, especially if the deal sounds too good to be true.
15. Remember, you will own this diamond for the rest of your life. Buy a diamond you will be proud to give and pass down through the generations of your family.