| These days, you can buy diamonds on the | | | | vague, you might find yourself compelled to shell |
| Internet. Buying over the Internet might also save | | | | out a small fortune for no fault of yours. |
| you some taxes. You need to take certain | | | | An important term you must insist upon is that |
| precautions when choosing this option of buying | | | | you would get the diamond verified independently |
| your diamond. Let us look at these. | | | | and if you are not satisfied, you would be allowed |
| Check the Four C's | | | | to return the diamond for a full refund. And get |
| Diamonds get their value because of certain | | | | adequate time, say, two weeks at the least, |
| characteristics. Key characteristics have been | | | | within which you can get the independent appraisal |
| nicknamed the four C's - Cut, Color, Clarity and | | | | done, and if necessary, return the item. If you do |
| Carat. Equip yourself with a sound familiarity of | | | | have to return the diamond, ensure that you |
| the four C's before you start diamond hunting on | | | | follow the return instructions of the seller |
| the Internet. If you don't know what makes a | | | | precisely. You do not want to be accused of |
| good diamond, how will you select one! | | | | returning it negligently. |
| Having equipped with necessary familiarity, check | | | | Take Extreme Care of the Diamond in Trust |
| the four C's of each diamond you consider buying. | | | | During the permitted appraisal and return period, |
| However, don't let your amateur knowledge be a | | | | the diamond is in your custody and if anything |
| substitute for professional appraisal. | | | | happens to it, you will typically be responsible for |
| Find the Best Internet Diamond Retailers | | | | any loss. Try to minimize any possible loss by |
| There are diamond retailers and retailers. Review | | | | taking extreme care of the diamond. For |
| their websites and observe the kinds of | | | | example, entrust it only to a dependable |
| information and services they provide. For | | | | gemologist for appraisal. Even better, remain with |
| example, there are retailers who will send you | | | | and observe the person during the whole |
| enlarged photos of the diamond, highlighting the | | | | exercise. Always keep the diamond in a very safe |
| inclusions in the diamond. | | | | and secure place. |
| Inclusions are 'flaws' in the diamond; not all flaws | | | | Taking out insurance, or getting the seller take |
| affect the diamond seriously; on the other hand | | | | out an insurance, against any loss during your |
| some might lead to loss of brilliance or even make | | | | custody or during transit is a good idea. Try to |
| the diamond prone to shattering. The retailer | | | | negotiate the terms and get it down in writing |
| would then explain the significance of each | | | | before the diamond is shipped. |
| highlighted inclusion. You can verify these details | | | | Ensure that the Diamond Comes with Grading |
| with an independent gemologist. | | | | Certificate |
| Obviously, a retailer who provides that kind of | | | | Reputed diamond sellers would only sell diamonds |
| information is preferable to someone who is not | | | | that have been reviewed and graded by qualified |
| very forthcoming. Try to find other indicators that | | | | gemologists. The gemologists would scrutinize |
| hint at the trustworthiness of a dealer. | | | | measure and evaluate a diamond before issuing a |
| Verify the Seller's Credentials | | | | certificate that outlines the gem's characteristics. |
| Established retailers would typically provide | | | | Gemological Institute of America - GIA - |
| testimonials from satisfied customers. Check that | | | | certificate is an example of a valued certificate. |
| these testimonials are verifiable. Call two or three | | | | However, don't dispense with the independent |
| testimonial givers and try to get some idea about | | | | appraisal even if the diamond comes with a |
| the seller's service and dependability. | | | | certificate. Certificates can be faked (just like |
| Call an authorized and competent contact person | | | | currency notes)! |
| at the seller's establishment. Talk to that person | | | | Bargain the Price |
| and try to form a clear impression about their | | | | Selling over the Internet reduces the seller's |
| competence and trustworthiness. Does the | | | | overheads. Let him pass over a part of this cost |
| person come across as someone who knows | | | | reduction to you! Bargain the price once you have |
| diamonds? And also as a person with integrity | | | | decided to buy a particular piece of diamond. Arm |
| who would not try to cheat you? | | | | yourself with necessary bargaining chips by |
| Negotiate for Independent Appraisal | | | | shopping around and finding more than one |
| Getting everything down in writing and signed is | | | | dependable seller. Learn how to bargain for a |
| an absolute must when dealing in diamonds. Each | | | | diamond, and then do it! |
| piece is of high value and if you leave anything | | | | |