| Long gone are the days when you can tell if a | | | | from a jeweler that cannot provide |
| diamond is real or fake unless you have had | | | | documentation. I am also a "conflict diamond" |
| some training and a jeweler's loop. There are | | | | conscious buyer. |
| beautiful man made stones that resemble | | | | Real diamonds are strong and durable if you see |
| diamonds such as cubic zirconia's, and lab created | | | | any scratches on the stone most likely you are |
| diamonds. These are ok when presented honestly | | | | holding a fake. Imitation diamonds are usually put |
| and not sold falsely as the real thing. The following | | | | in settings that are inexpensive. So, if a jewelry is |
| tips are to help you with your future diamond | | | | selling you an expensive diamond, but it is in a |
| purchases. | | | | cheesy setting walk away. |
| One of the things I do not do is purchase | | | | I also take my jewelry as a back up to another |
| diamonds from anyone other than a jeweler with | | | | jeweler to have it appraised. Nothing wrong with |
| a good reputation. I check the Better Business | | | | having a second opinion. I do this to see if there is |
| Bureau, inquire if friends have purchased from | | | | a significant discrepancy between jewelers |
| that jeweler, and I ask the jeweler question about | | | | regarding the appraisal value. This is another good |
| where they get their diamonds from, and what is | | | | reason for having a written appraisal; you don't |
| the company's return policy. All of my diamonds | | | | have to worry about being accused of changing |
| have certificates of authenticity. This is important | | | | the diamond yourself. |
| to me for two reasons, 1) coverage by my | | | | If you are like me you love looking at diamonds |
| insurance company, 2) ensuring that my diamond | | | | and the best feeling of all is making the purchase. |
| is real and provides a record of the gems | | | | This feeling can last for ever when you make |
| appraisal value. I would not purchase a diamond | | | | your purchases wisely. |