Tips On Buying Diamonds

1) Read up on the 4 Cs.  Cut, Color, Carat, Clarity. (This is the order of importance, in our own personal opinion)

2) Visit a few jewelers and look at diamonds to figure out what you like.

3) Ask the jeweler to show you specifically GIA or AGS Certified Diamonds.  Anything else (IGI, EGL  HRD)- walk away.  Or, negotiate with the jeweler that once you buy the diamond, you will have it appraised, and if the appraised value does not back their certification, they will have to buy the diamond back.  Then, send the diamond to GIA for certification (insured mail, of course) to have them certify it for you.. NOTE: A certified diamond is not the same as an appraised diamond!

4) Out of these diamonds, make up your mind about what kind of ring you would like get.  (Gold, Platinum, shape of the ring, etc.)

5) Ask the jeweler for their best price.  Write that price down on a piece of paper in front of them.  That way, they know that you will be price-shopping.

6) Ask for their return policy.  Every shop has a different policy.  Make sure you understand and agree with all the terms.

7) Read the Rapaport Diamond Report.  This will tell you the wholesale price of diamonds.  You should expect to pay this amount plus a fair percentage for the jeweler.

8) Use our quote service to have multiple jewelers bid on your setting.