Final Diamond Buying Tips
Here are some final tips to ensure that you get a beautiful diamond, at a fair price, without becoming a victim to the many scams out there.
- 1. Always compare prices. Don’t buy the first diamond that appeals to you. Keep it in mind, and compare it to similar diamonds to be sure that you are getting a fair price.
2. Never purchase a diamond without a diamond grading report and an appraisal. Those two things are there for the purpose of protecting you. The grading report will tell you all of the characteristics of the diamond, and the appraisal will tell you what it is worth.
3. Learn as much as possible about diamonds – especially the four C’s. This will make it hard for any jeweler or dealer to fool you.
4. Buy loose diamonds. Avoid buying diamonds that are already in a setting from a jeweler or dealer. Settings are often used to hide flaws. Reputable jewelers often insist on selling you loose diamonds, and then setting the diamond after you’ve made your selection.
5. Don’t depend on the jeweler’s comparison prices. Do your own comparisons. Jewelers often list comparison prices on jewelry tags.
6. Don’t buy diamonds on vacation. Most places that you shop at on vacation will be tourist oriented. The chances of getting ripped off are very high.
7. Always view diamonds in different lighting. View it in bright light, dimmer light, and in sunlight. Beware of jewelers who use special coated lighting to make diamonds look better.
8. Check your jeweler out with the associations he or she belongs to, as well as with your local better business bureau, or the BBB in the area where they do business. Also check out your appraiser.
9. Be wary of sales. Remember that if the price is marked down, it was probably too high to begin with.
10. Never buy a diamond off the street. In most cases, you are being scammed. Always require a certificate, get an appraisal, and if the diamond will be shipped to you, use an escrow service.
