| Many diamonds are sold with so-called "mini" | | | | There are several good online diamond websites, |
| certificates, which give reassurance to the | | | | mostly based in the United States, selling high |
| consumer that the diamond is genuine, and also | | | | quality diamonds at prices which are well below |
| provide brief details concerning the four Cs of | | | | the high street equivalent. The biggest and best |
| carat weight, cut, colour and clarity, as well as | | | | of these online merchants have websites which |
| basic dimensions such as overall width and depth. | | | | are designed to take much of the guesswork out |
| The advantage of the mini certificate is that it | | | | of buying a diamond online. A click of the mouse |
| provides reassurance and basic details of the | | | | will bring up full details of the diamond's certificate, |
| diamond at a budget price, but it does not contain | | | | leaving the prospective customer in little doubt as |
| sufficient information for a customer to buy online | | | | to the quality of the diamond on offer. What's |
| with reasonable certainty that the diamond they | | | | more, the best of these websites will offer to set |
| will receive will match their expectations. If buying | | | | your chosen diamond into the ring or other |
| from a high street store, a mini certificate will be | | | | jewellery of your choice, and ship the finished |
| fine for diamonds up to a half carat in weight, but | | | | item to the US or the UK with all taxes and |
| for larger diamonds, and for any diamond | | | | customs formalities included in the final price, thus |
| purchased online, a full certificate or diamond | | | | avoiding any nasty surprises when the customer |
| report is essential. | | | | takes delivery. |
| A full certificate or report will give details not only | | | | The best merchants also offer a generous, |
| of the four Cs and basic dimensions, but also of | | | | no-quibble returns policy, making the online |
| width to depth ratio, table percentage, girdle | | | | purchase of a diamond, an engagement ring or |
| thickness, symmetry, polish, fluorescence, as well | | | | other item of diamond jewellery a truly pleasant |
| as diagrams showing clearly how the proportions | | | | and reassuring experience. If you are thinking of |
| affect the appearance of the diamond, and also | | | | buying that all-important engagement ring don't |
| what type of inclusions the diamond has and | | | | just rush off to the high street. By all means look |
| where within the diamond they are situated. All of | | | | at their prices and then see just how much more |
| these factors combine to give a diamond its | | | | you will get for your money from a good online |
| overall eye appeal, and if the online consumer is | | | | seller, with the added benefit of all of the other |
| prepared to spend time assessing all of these | | | | aforementioned advantages. Choose your seller |
| factors before committing to purchase, there is | | | | wisely and you won't be disappointed. A search on |
| far less likelihood that he or she will be | | | | Google should soon make it obvious who the best |
| disappointed when they receive their diamond and | | | | sellers are. |
| are able to see it in the flesh, so to speak. | | | | Happy diamond hunting! |