Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings – Internet vs. Retail

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Retail Jewelry Stores
A common belief is that all jewelers are out to get you and that you’re going to pay too much for a diamond or engagement ring. This is true for all industries and businesses, not just the jewelry industry. There are good businesses and there are not so good businesses. There’s always a chance to pay more than you have to when buying a car, electronics, jewelry, or whatever. The key is to do your homework and find a jewelry store that you know is creditable; sometimes a referral from a friend is the best place to start. Now it’s true that most jewelry store prices will start off listing higher than many of the on-line businesses, but you have to consider all things. Who will size your ring when it needs to be done? How much will it cost when you have it done? How long will you be without your ring? There is a huge amount of convenience when buying local because many jewelers do all their work in-house. This means no waiting and sometimes you can actually have your ring sized or altered on the spot. Imagine proposing to your girlfriend and then telling her she has to wait 2-3 weeks before wearing it because it has to be shipped back to the on-line jeweler for sizing!
Other benefits are the warranties that come along with the purchase from a local jeweler. I had a customer come to our retail showroom not too long ago with a ring he bought from Bluenile. He brought his fiancé in to be fit for the ring and we sized the ring for $75.00. 2 weeks later she came back and said that she chose to have the ring sized too small and needed to be sized again. Another $75.00! Now they’re up to $150 in additional fees and they’ve only owned ring 2 weeks. Imagine the expenses you’ll accumulate over the lifetime of the ring! Another issue is the replacement of missing diamonds; today’s engagement ring styles are very complicated and can be set with intricate diamond combinations. These tiny diamond accents are prone to falling out. When you need to have a small diamond accent replaced you could pay $75.00 to $150.00 in repair costs. Do you see the repair costs adding up? Most local jewelers value your business; in effort to keep you happy they’ll take care of any costs associated with the upkeep of your ring. If you think I’m being one sided don’t worry, I have a lot of positive things to share with you about buying on-line also.
One of the other benefits of shopping locally is the ability to see and examine the diamonds before buying. A big misconception is that all diamonds are graded exactly the same way and that an SI2 on-line is the same as an SI2 in a store. Truth is that every diamond is uniquely different and some diamonds are better than others even if the grades are identical. There are good VS2’s and there are bad VS2’s how do you know which one you have? I’m assuming of course that you know what a VS2 is, if you don’t you can visit http://therealscooponbuyingdiamonds.blogspot.com and I’ll be happy to explain it further to you. You really need to see the diamond first hand and look at it under a microscope to be able to compare one to the next. You can have two diamonds graded exactly the same but one may be poorer a version of the same clarity grade because it was graded by two different people with different opinions. This of course greatly affects the value of the diamond and you’re not aware of it unless you see them first hand. Shopping locally empowers you by allowing you to compare one diamond to next in real life situations.
Now if you say “That’s all well and good but I still want the best deal I can get” and the bottom line price is still you’re biggest concern then simply be honest with the people you’re shopping with. Truth be known, most jewelers are flexible in their pricing. You just have to communicate your needs with them properly so they know where you stand. They don’t read minds and if you want the best deal you can get for a diamond then say that to them. You can’t get what you don’t ask for and nobody is going to volunteer this unless you ask for it. If you tell the local jeweler that you have been shopping on-line and you want them to match the price, they’ll probably do it. The best strategy is to bring the Internet listing from the website that you are shopping with and give it to the jeweler. Ask them to show you a diamond of the same size, clarity and color, this way you are comparing apples to apples. In some cases they’ll match the price and you’ll get the best of all worlds including warranties, service, price and convenience.
There are no magical formulas or pixie dust that allows one on-line jeweler or retail jeweler the ability to buy a diamond for less than their competitors. Retailers and on-line jewelers pay the same amount for a diamonds and the going rate is the going rate. So your local jeweler has the ability to sell the diamond at the same price as the Internet jeweler, you just have to give him reason to. The best advice I can give you is “Don’t make them jump through hoops”; if they’re going to give you a great deal don’t make them work hard for it. Otherwise they may lose interest in the sale and say “No Thanks!”. Be honest and fair with them and you may be surprised at how helpful they can be.
Internet Jewelers
Ok I know you have been waiting for this, so here it is… Yes you can buy a diamond for less on the Internet! You’ll also save the sales tax. But you need to know that not all Internet jewelers are created equal and you really need to become familiar with whom you are dealing with. Lets start with some important issues. First, you should know that most Internet jewelers don’t own their own diamond inventories. What they do is create computerized lists from diamond wholesalers and suppliers from around the country and place these lists on their websites. Now the problem with this is that these Internet jewelers have never seen the diamonds that they sell so they don’t know what they are giving you. If you see a diamond listed on their site and ask them to describe it to you they have to call the supplier who owns the diamond and have them describe it to them first so they can describe it to you. That’s fine as long as you are aware of the process.
Now, there are Internet jewelers who do own their inventories and actually hand select the diamonds that go on their website. The benefit is that these Internet jewelers have the ability to weed out problem stones because they get to see the diamonds before they buy them for resale. Allow me to give you an example of a problem diamond, take an SI1 diamond for instance. By definition, an SI1 diamond should not have imperfections that can be seen to the naked eye. However, I’ve seen GIA certified SI1 diamonds with imperfections that were plain as day when viewing the diamond to the naked eye. How does the Internet jeweler that’s selling computerized lists of diamonds know what kind of SI1 he/she is selling? They don’t! That’s why its important to choose an Internet jeweler who owns their inventory and hand picks each diamond personally. The benefit is that you can call them and ask them to describe the diamond to you to be sure that it’s not a problem diamond. When wholesalers have problem diamonds that retail jewelers and Internet jewelers (that own their inventories) won’t buy, they list them on Internet websites because there’s nobody to verify the problem.
In the end you suffer because you unknowingly buy the problem diamond. What’s the solution? Work with an Internet jeweler that can hold the diamond in their hand and inspect it for you. Or work with a smaller yet trustworthy Internet jeweler who has a pulse on all the suppliers that they work with so they can verify the validity of the diamond grade. The larger Internet jewelers like Bluenile undoubtedly have a harder time weeding out the problem diamonds because they sell so many diamonds from these published virtual lists. You’re diamond purchase is just another number to them while the smaller Internet jewelers can spend more time with you on the phone answering your questions and sorting through their diamonds. Another benefit to shopping online is the lack of pushy salespeople to deal with. As with many retail environments you’ll occasionally run in to the hard-core salesperson at local jewelry stores. If you’re the type of person who likes to move at his/her own pace and doesn’t like to be pressured then the Internet jeweler is a great option. If you find an informative site you’ll have the time to gather information about diamonds at your own pace without the pressure of having to make a quick decision. You’ll also cover a lot of ground very quickly because you can compare thousands of diamond prices with the click of a mouse. Shopping locally can be a long laborious process while spending hours at each location before going on to the next store.
If you choose to buy your diamond online require several things from your Internet jeweler. First is a no-frills return policy, the standard for an established and creditable Internet jeweler is 30 days. Next is gemological certification, this is important because you want to be assured that the diamond is graded as fairly as possible. I would only choose the Internet jewelers that display the BBB-Online Seal. The Better Business Bureau is a great consumer advocacy group and won’t allow any website to display the seal unless their identity has been verified. They’ll also remove the seal if the Internet site is abusing the use of the seal or is using unfair business practices. In the end you’ll have to decide what’s more important, price or guarantees. Some people would never buy a diamond from an Internet jeweler and some hate shopping locally. There are no secrets or shortcuts but you have to take the time to understand that there are pros and cons to both options. Nobody can say what’s best for you and your fiancé but you.
Good Luck Shopping and feel free to contact me for any information about diamonds or diamond engagement rings!
Andy Moquin
President – Andrews Jewelers Inc.
CEO – Rokstok.com
http://www.andrewsjewelers.com

Your Diamond Engagement Ring: Make it Look Resplendent

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

A diamond engagement ring laid with a large diamond can catch people’s attention and make its wearer proud. However, large diamonds are costly. So you go for a ring studded with tiny diamonds. Do you know that it is possible to make these tiny diamonds look like a large diamond?

If you don’t, read the following tips. You might then be able to show off a diamond engagement ring set with an impressive “large” diamond.

Before we get into these tips, let us first sound a warning against a common practice. Sometimes diamond buyers go for diamonds with a shallow cut. These are diamonds that have not been cut deep enough to give them brilliance. Diamonds get their brilliance from their light reflecting characteristic.

Light hitting shallow-cut diamonds go out their back, instead getting reflected back. The result would be a loss of brilliance, even though the diamond might look bigger. Saving cost by going for shallow-cut diamonds might thus not be the best decision.

So how do you make tiny diamonds look like a big diamond?

Select Fancy Shaped Diamonds

The typical choice involves round shaped diamonds. If you select instead diamonds shaped in elongated shapes like oval or pear, diamonds of the same weight will look larger. There is also the possibility to make your diamond engagement ring look more impressive by tasteful selection of the shape.

Go for a Pave Setting

A pe setting consists of several diamonds set closely together. Small beads of setting metal hold these diamonds in place and make them look like a single diamond – a single ‘large’ diamond. The problem with the pave option is that the intricate metalwork involved can cost more than the difference in cost between a large diamond and several tiny diamonds. You might it less expensive to go for a large diamond.

Consider and Illusion Setting

An illusion setting creates an illusion of a larger and more brilliant diamond by first mounting the diamond on a mirror-like plate before setting it on the ring. Mirrors can create quite effective illusions, as you might have noticed in some shops which seem stocked with double the merchandise. Downside: Illusion set diamond rings are difficult and expensive to repair. And you don’t want your diamond engagement ring in disrepair!

Ask for a Bezel Setting

A bezel setting covers the entire (or part of the) diamond and even the rim at its top, holding it securely. A bezel using white gold or platinum will blend with the diamond and can make it look larger. A gold bezel can, on the other hand, can throw a yellowish tint back onto the diamond, creating a strange effect.

One major plus point for bezel setting it that it can cover any chipping on the diamond. Bezel setting is also ideal for people who follow an active lifestyle, as it protects the diamond from damage.

An Engagement Ring with Side Diamonds

This is an option to add more pizzazz to your ring, rather than make the diamond look larger. Small diamonds are set on either side of a focal, larger diamond. The central stone won’t look larger, but the whole arrangement could create a greater impression.

Explore the Options for Your Diamond Engagement Ring

Your engagement ring has great sentimental value. Do try to make it an impressive showpiece. After all, you have decided to go for a diamond engagement ring. Let the diamond come out really impressive.

Loose Diamonds for Sale

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

DharamHK Welcome, here you will find a vast range of diamonds at fantastic discounts. We offer Best Quality Diamonds, Loose Diamonds, Certified Diamonds, Buy Diamonds Online, Buying Loose Diamond, Buying Pearls In India, Loose Diamond Stone, Loose Round Diamond, Loose Polish Diamonds, loose cut diamond, Color Diamonds, Clarity Diamonds, Carats Diamonds Loose Princess Diamond, Loose Emerald Diamond, Polished diamonds,Loose Diamond Stone, Round Diamond, Loose Diamond For Sale, Loose Cut Diamond, GIA Certified Diamonds and also Diamonds Manufactured in India, Diamond Wholesaler, Diamond Distributor in India, Hong Kong, UK, USA, Canada. The difference here at DharamHK.com is the price! Our diamonds discounts and service is supreme.

We offer all types of diamonds, internationally known for its superb drawings. Carefully hand polished diamonds can be easily tree One-Stop-Shop DharamHK. A huge range of diamonds is with us. DharamHK is a professional managed Organization, has extensive experience in all types of diamonds.

We concentrate strictly on the clarity and reliability of our entire range of diamonds. We offer a wide range of colors in diamonds, which are known for their purity and perfection. A true merger of modern science and passion for the work visible in the designs of our diamonds. Finally, all of our production time by the jury of experts with eagle eyes, for optimum utilization of available resources.

Certified Loose Diamonds: We compiled a list of over 5,000 certified loose diamonds in various shapes, carats, cuts, clarity, colors and prices for you to choose from. Whether you are shopping for that perfect diamond for your diamond engagement ring or looking to invest in some wholesale loose diamonds DharamHK can help.

Loose Diamonds Manufactures In Hong Kong !!!

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

DharamHK Welcome, here you will find a vast range of diamonds at fantastic discounts. We offer Best Quality Diamonds, Loose Diamonds, Certified Diamonds, Buy Diamonds Online, Buying Loose Diamond, Buying Pearls In India, Loose Diamond Stone, Loose Round Diamond, Loose Polish Diamonds, loose cut diamond, Color Diamonds, Clarity Diamonds, Carats Diamonds Loose Princess Diamond, Loose Emerald Diamond, Polished diamonds,Loose Diamond Stone, Round Diamond, Loose Diamond For Sale, Loose Cut Diamond, GIA Certified Diamonds and also Diamonds Manufactured in India, Diamond Wholesaler, Diamond Distributor in India, Hong Kong, UK, USA, Canada. The difference here at DharamHK.com is the price! Our diamonds discounts and service is supreme.

We offer all types of diamonds, internationally known for its superb drawings. Carefully hand polished diamonds can be easily tree One-Stop-Shop DharamHK. A huge range of diamonds is with us. DharamHK is a professional managed Organization, has extensive experience in all types of diamonds.

We concentrate strictly on the clarity and reliability of our entire range of diamonds. We offer a wide range of colors in diamonds, which are known for their purity and perfection. A true merger of modern science and passion for the work visible in the designs of our diamonds. Finally, all of our production time by the jury of experts with eagle eyes, for optimum utilization of available resources.

Certified Loose Diamonds: We compiled a list of over 5,000 certified loose diamonds in various shapes, carats, cuts, clarity, colors and prices for you to choose from. Whether you are shopping for that perfect diamond for your diamond engagement ring or looking to invest in some wholesale loose diamonds DharamHK can help.

Where To Find Certified Loose Diamond At The Wholesale Price:

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Many people buy loose diamond for making jewelry or for investment purpose. Always consider buying loose diamond and diamond jewelry directly from the manufacturer as it saves the retail cost to give you benefit. Buying diamonds should be done tactfully as fraud is a major attempt every where. There are a few things to consider before making a precious loose diamond purchase. One of the genuine online superstore in the internet market where you’ll find high-quality certified loose diamonds or diamond jewelry is www.diamondocean.com. It is a manufacturer of jewels that means you are getting the best value for your purchase as there is no middleman and the retail price is cut. Also you get a tremendous value-added service that can save you time and lot of money.One should know the entire variable that determines quality, value and prices of loose diamonds. And because diamonds are so expensive and so much more than just an investment, Diamond Ocean have come up with a comprehensive guide not just to help you learn step by step about diamond but at the same time also decide what is best for you that you will find at www.diamondocean.comThe 4 C’s of Diamonds: understanding Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat weight will help in making the right choice. Never confuse the diamond’s “cut” with its “shape”. Shape always refers to the general outward appearance of the diamond (such as square, emerald, round, etc.) while the cut is in reference to the diamond’s reflective qualities. A qualified and well trained team defines the designs and it reflection by the way of fine cut. Most gemologists agree that the best cut diamonds are those that follow a set of formulae planned to maximize brilliance. Today, several grading methods have been developed to help consumers determine the cut of a particular diamond. In general, these grades are categorizes as-Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good, Fair & Poor…To make the best selection, you need to understand the various grades. The Qualified Team at Diamond Ocean will help you find out the right grade.The Second C – Diamond Clarity: It’s no surprise that most diamonds have flaws. Basically there are two types of flaws: inclusions and blemishes. Diamonds with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more highly valued than those with less clarity, because they are rarer. Diamonds are graded for clarity under a 10x loupe magnification. Grades range from Flawless (diamonds which are completely free of blemishes and inclusions), to Included 3 (diamonds which possess large, heavy blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked eyeF – Flawless: No internal or external flaws… Extremely rare.IF-Internally Flawless: No Internal flaws…Very rare.VVS1-VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included (two grades): Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10xmagnification even by a trained gemologist.VS1-VS2: Very Slightly Included (two grades): Minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification. SI1-SI2: Slightly Included (two grades): Minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x magnification. I1 – I2 – I3: Included (three grades): Inclusions visible under 10x magnification as well as to the human eye (We do not recommend buying diamonds in any of these grades).GIA Certificates include what is known as a “plot” of a diamond’s inclusion – think of it as a “diamond fingerprint”. Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, comparing the uniqueness of your diamond’s clarity with the plot provided on the diamond certificate offers assurance that the diamond you pay for is the same diamond you receive. The Third C – Color : The whiter a diamond’s colors the greater is its value. To grade ‘whiteness’ or colorlessness most jewelers refer to GIA’s (Gemological Institute Of America) professional color scale that begins with the highest rating of D for colorless, and travels down the alphabet to grade stones with traces of very faint or light yellowish or brownish color. The color scale continues all the way down to Z. Diamonds graded D through F are naturally the most valuable and desirable because of their rarity. And diamonds graded G through I show virtually no color that is visible to the inexperienced eye. While a very, very faint hint of yellow will be evident in diamonds graded J through M, this color can often be minimized by carefully selecting the right jewelry in which to mount your diamond. The Fourth C – Carat (Weight): A carat is a unit of measurement used to weigh a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Certify The Diamond’s Worth:It’s necessary to always read the “Fine print” carefully before signing a document. The same way the certificate is a “Blueprint” of a diamond as it tells you the diamond’s exact measurements and weight, as well as the details of its cut and quality. It specifically points out all the individual distinctiveness of the stone. Certificates also serve as proof of the diamond’s identity and value. A certificate describes the quality of a diamond, but it does not place a monetary value on the gem. Why Do I Need A Certificate? You have the choice of shopping for certified diamonds as it allows one to make a selection and to compare it with a particular weight and quality of diamonds with a similar weight and quality, to determine

8 Things you Didn’t Know About Diamonds

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Diamonds have been used in rings since the middle ages, and the first reference to a diamond engagement ring or wedding ring was in 1477. Because of the supernatural powers accredited to diamonds, they became more popular, and Italians said that a diamond maintained harmony between husband and wife.

Diamonds also have a reputation for supernatural powers, such as protecting from enemies, and negating magnets, which goes back thousands of years. Diamonds also play an important role in Hinduism and Buddhism, in fact the oldest dated book, the Diamond Sutra from 868, also mentions diamonds.

Despite having a reputation as very expensive, diamonds are affordable and can be a worthwhile investment. Whether choosing a diamond solitaire ring, diamond earrings or loose certified diamonds, there are several things to be considered to ensure that you purchase the right diamonds for your needs.

Here are 8 tips to help you choose the perfect diamond.

1. Diamonds are sold by weight, so the weight is also the size of the diamond. A carat is divided up into 100 points. A diamond weighing 50 points is half a carat. As well as the weight, cut, colour and clarity are all very important when choosing a solitaire ring, diamond earrings or other diamond jewellery.

The term carat is used to measure the weight of a diamond, and is the equivalent of 0.2g. The term carat came to English from French and means the fruit of the carob. Carob seeds were traditionally used as a measure of weight because the seeds are all very similar in size. Other countries had their own carat, which was approximately the same size as a carob seed, and it wasn’t until 1914 that the carat was standardised to 0.2g in the United Kingdom

2. The cut of the diamond is the only aspect that can be changed by a human. The weight, colour and clarity are all down to nature. A well cut diamond will have many facets which reflect the light. When a diamond is cut, the light reflects from one side to another, to make it sparkle. A diamond that is cut too deep or too shallow will lose light and so won’t sparkle as much.

3. A diamond seen in a jewellers shop, in earrings or on a solitaire ring, is often transparent, or slightly yellow. The whiter the diamond, the more valuable it is. Diamonds with a strong blue or pink colour to them are called fancies, and are very rare. However, diamonds are available in almost any colour.

4. The clarity of a diamond is determined by the number of inclusions which are caused by multiple growth stages in formation. The value of the diamond depends on the number and severity of these inclusions. The clarity scale ranges from diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye, or with magnification, to diamonds with inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.

5. Diamonds can be cut differently for different applications. A diamond earring might have a different cut to a solitaire ring. The most popular cuts are brilliant, emerald, pear shape, marquise, princess, oval and heart shape. Brilliant cut diamonds are shaped so that they reflect the light upwards and make the diamond appear white when viewed from the top. Sometimes brilliant cut diamonds appear darker at the centre, which can indicate that the cut is too deep or too shallow and the light isn’t reflecting upwards.

6. Loose diamonds can be purchased and then turned into your perfect piece of jewellery, such as diamond earrings or solitaire ring. The type of jewellery that the certified diamonds are for will help to determine the size, shape and cut of the diamond. A ring is likely to require a bigger diamond than a pendant or earrings. These certified diamonds should be approved by an independent gemological laboratory, which acts as a guarantee that the diamonds are genuine, and not manufactured.

7. Purchasing online will allow you to choose the right diamond jewellery for your needs without going into a jewellers shop. As well as being able to choose from a wider range, whether you are looking for a diamond bracelet or necklace, substantial savings can be made as the overheads are much lower.

8. Despite diamond being the hardest natural substance, it is still important to take care of your diamonds. Diamonds can be chipped by a heavy blow, and can scratch other items, including other diamonds, so it is advisable not to wear a diamond ring when doing rough or manual work. Diamonds should also be cleaned regularly using jewellery cleaner.

Now that you know what to look for, and how to purchase your diamond engagement ring or earrings, you can buy your diamonds in safety online from a reputable diamond jeweller and still save money. Surprise the love of your life with diamonds today, and they can be enjoyed for years to come.

Buying Diamonds Safely

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Buying Certified Diamonds

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Is it Safe to Buy Diamonds Online?

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

So, is it safe to buy diamonds online? Yes and no. It is only safe if you follow these essential and simple rules:

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT DIAMONDS

This may sound like an obvious tip but it is very important to understand the differences between diamonds. All diamonds vary based on four characteristics that you should be aware of. They are commonly known as the 4 C’s:

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONLINE RETAILER

Only buy from a reputable online retailer that only sells certified diamonds. The most common certifications are GIA and AGS. The certificate will ensure that you are getting the 4 Cs that the vendor advertised. You can research a certain online retailer’s reputation by looking at their reviews. For Canada, http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/ratings/retailers/  provides an excellent source of reviews. Due to possible customs charges, outlandish shipping fees and possible legal warranties, it may be better to make the purchase from a retailer that is based in your country. It is also important to confirm that the vendor offers a 100% free 30 days return policy. That is the norm for good online retailers of certified diamonds. 

LAST MINUTE TIP

Finally, we always recommend making your purchase through a credit card. If you have problems with a retailer and have exhausted all possible recourses with the company, it may be possible to fall on your credit card company for assistance. For example, VISA and MasterCard both offer purchase and fraud protection for certain tiers of their credit cards. Consult your credit card issuer for actual terms of service and carefully read the insurance policies as some clauses exclude protection for jewelry.

Http://TheDiamondBuyingGuide.ca

What are Certified Diamonds?

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

A certified diamond is a diamond that has been graded, tested and examined by a team of independent fully trained gemologists who then issue a Diamond certificate for that diamond.

A diamond certificate is a blueprint of a loose diamond that has been certified.

A diamond certificate can also be called a diamond grading report or diamond dossier. The diamond certificate documents the diamond’s exact measurements and weight, as well as the details of its cut and quality. It precisely points out all the individual characteristics of the stone, inclusions and any flaws.

When shopping for loose diamonds it is extremely important that you buy a certified diamond. You can compare one certified diamond with a particular weight and quality with other certified diamonds of similar weight and quality to determine which certified loose diamond has the better value.

A diamond certificate allows you to make an informed choice when buying loose diamonds. 

A certified diamond provides consumers with confidence, security and increases comfort levels while making a decision on which loose diamond to purchase. Before purchasing a loose diamond, you should expect to review a copy of its diamond certificate, as this is your only guarantee of the quality and value of that diamond. Certified diamonds help provide consumer confidence.

A diamond certificate documents the characteristics of the diamonds quality; the colour, cut, clarity & carat weight of the diamond are verified by an independent company with no conflict of interest between buyer and seller.

The true test to evaluate a diamond is to view it in person and compare it with other diamonds. Nothing beats seeing a diamond in person to determine whether it is a ‘good’ diamond to your eye or not. Diamond appreciation is a very personal thing and different people will prefer different things about different diamonds. At the end of the day all the numbers and photos in the world mean nothing if you do not like the diamond in person.

Many jewellers and diamond dealers will use terms like Hearts and Arrows, Ideal, Excellent, Russian Cut, Belgium Cut, Fine Make and others to describe their diamonds, with the intention of portraying them as ‘better’ than others. Be wary of accepting these terms as is. They are especially dangerous when assigned to diamonds by the jeweller or diamond dealer themselves without third-party independent support.

There are many different diamond grading laboratories available to the diamond-buying public. Some of the more well known grading laboratories are: GIA (Gemological Institute of America), DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia), AGS (American Gemological Society), HRD (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant; Diamond High Council), EGL (European Gemological Institute) and the IGI (International Gemological Institute).

Each of these diamond grading laboratories has their own criteria and method of grading loose diamonds, but they all operate within a high set of parameters, in regards to grading a diamond’s attributes and dimensions. Be aware that as each grading laboratory has its own methods, each grading laboratory also has its own expense guides for preparing a certificate and these grading laboratories differ in their standards and level of strictness.

It is important to keep in mind the fact that not all diamond grading laboratories are as well respected or as stringent in their grading as each other. Diamond grading laboratories should always be independent of any diamond retailers or wholesalers, to avoid any conflict of interests or bias. Diamond Certificates are only of value when they are issued by an independent accredited diamond grading laboratory. Always make certain to identify the source of the certificate or diamond grading report. If you have not heard of the laboratory, it could very well be associated in some way with the store, jeweller or diamond wholesaler itself, and so have a vested interest in aiding the sale.

Before you buy a diamond you should always, as a first priority, insist on an independent diamond grading certificate from an accredited laboratory to support any added claims about a diamond.  

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Independently Certified Diamonds – Highest Quality Certified Diamonds

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