| With all of the potential for scams | | | | prices. Once you have found thelowest price, |
| concerningdiamonds, buying diamonds online | | | | start doing your investigation. |
| almostseems unthinkable! However, you | | | | You know about diamonds, you've found |
| actuallycan purchase diamonds online, without | | | | adiamond that you love, and you've found |
| anyproblems - as long as you are careful. | | | | thelowest price - but you are still quite a |
| First, think about your reasons for wanting | | | | waysaway from actually purchasing that diamond! |
| topurchase the diamond online, as opposed | | | | Ask about the seller's credentials, such |
| tomaking a purchase from a local jewelry store. | | | | asprofessional jewelry associations that |
| The most common reason is price. Due tolow | | | | theybelong to. View and print the seller's |
| overhead costs, online jewelers andwholesalers | | | | return,refund, and upgrade policies. Also |
| are able to offer lower prices. | | | | inquireabout additional services, such as |
| However, you must be careful - sometimesa | | | | settingsand mountings, sizing, and free shipping. |
| price that is too low is a sure indication ofa scam. | | | | Doa search for customer reviews on thisparticular |
| One of the best things about purchasingonline is | | | | company around the Internet. Alsocheck with the |
| the unlimited selection. Whenshopping offline, you | | | | BBB Online to see if there havebeen any |
| are limited to theselection in the stores in your | | | | complaints. |
| general area. | | | | Ask for a diamond grading report from |
| Online, there are no limits. But again, youmust use | | | | anindependent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, |
| a great deal of care andconsideration before | | | | EGL or AGS. You should see this beforemaking a |
| handing your moneyover to someone that you | | | | purchase. Finally, use a reputableescrow service |
| cannot see andhave never met! | | | | for high dollar diamonds -preferably one that will |
| Before shopping, learn as much as you canabout | | | | have the diamondappraised while it is in their |
| diamonds - especially cut, color,clarity and carat | | | | possession. Theseller sends the diamond to the |
| weights. When you areknowledgeable about | | | | escrowservice, and you send the money to pay |
| diamonds, it will beharder for a con artist to rip | | | | forthe diamond to the escrow service. |
| you off. Onceyou know more about diamonds, | | | | Theescrow service has the diamond |
| you will beready to start shopping. | | | | appraised,sends the diamond to you, and sends |
| Take your time. Don't purchase the firstdiamond | | | | themoney to the seller. This is the surest way |
| that you see that interests you. | | | | toprotect yourself…again, make sure that |
| Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. | | | | youuse a reputable escrow service! |
| Do some comparison shopping to find thelowest | | | | |