| Buying a diamond is one of the most important | | | | will not write anything down and will just nod his |
| purchases that you will make in your life, whether | | | | or her head saying, don't worry, everything is |
| it is an engagement ring, wedding ring, loose | | | | good. |
| diamond or jewelry for a loved one it is | | | | If you want to find a reputable diamond dealer |
| extremely important to put lots of thought into | | | | contact organizations such as the Better Business |
| your purchase. Here are some tips on buying | | | | Bureau to see if a retailer has had complaints in |
| diamonds that will make sure you find the | | | | the past, there are also diamond organizations |
| diamond that you want at a fair price. | | | | that can point you in the right direction such as |
| It is important to educate yourself on diamonds | | | | GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and |
| before ever stepping into a retail store. Learning | | | | American Gem Trade Association. |
| about diamonds is the biggest advantage that you | | | | Once you find a good retailer and choose a stone, |
| can have in the buying process. Not only will being | | | | before purchasing it, ask to get it appraised by an |
| educated about diamonds help you get a fair price | | | | independent appraiser. If the retailer says |
| and understand if the diamond is a good value, | | | | absolutely not, walk away from the sale. One of |
| but knowing about diamonds will help you choose | | | | the strongest advantages that you have is having |
| a diamond more to your liking. | | | | the stone independently appraised. A good retailer |
| Start off learning the basics including the 5 C's | | | | will give you the stone for it to be appraised by |
| which are carat, cut, color, clarity, and cost. These | | | | anyone you would like. You can have it appraised |
| are truly the main foundation of good diamond | | | | to see if the clarity, carat and color match what |
| knowledge. Since most consumers already know | | | | the retailer stated, and also to find out if there |
| about the 5C's which are usually covered | | | | are any treatments such as fracture filling or color |
| extensively, here are some tips on learning about | | | | treatments that would decrease the value of the |
| the actual buying process in a retail or wholesale | | | | stone. It is important for you as a consumer to |
| diamond environment. | | | | exercise your preference to have the stone |
| As in any industry, there are good establishments | | | | independently appraised. Some retailers will |
| and bad establishments. While at the retail level | | | | demand that you have it appraised by a certain |
| fraud is rare, you might find people that are willing | | | | appraiser. This should not be acceptable; you |
| to take advantage of a situation. A good retailer | | | | should be able to bring it to any appraiser that |
| will try to help you find the diamond that is right | | | | you would like. |
| for you. A good retailer will also take their time | | | | Not only will an appraiser help you determine the |
| with you and ask you lots of questions. | | | | quality of the stone, but will usually give you a |
| Be aware of retailers that will immediately try to | | | | dollar value for the stone. Some appraisers will |
| up-sell you on a diamond. They might not be | | | | give you both a retail and wholesale value for the |
| interested in what you would like and | | | | stone (Retail prices are usually higher than the |
| automatically try to persuade you that a specific | | | | wholesale cost). Armed with this information will |
| diamond is the diamond that you should look for. | | | | help you determine if you are getting a good deal |
| Beware of these types of retailers; they may be | | | | on the stone or paying top dollar. This information |
| trying to get rid of hard to sell diamonds due to | | | | will help you if you need to negotiate a fair price |
| quality issues. A good retailer will also help educate | | | | with the retailer. |
| you on what is a good diamond and the various | | | | Buying a diamond is one of the most important |
| traits of a diamond that are beneficial or decrease | | | | decisions in your life, so make sure you put lots |
| its value. | | | | of thought into the purchase and protect yourself |
| When buying a diamond from a retailer it is also | | | | using your diamond knowledge, independent |
| important that they disclose everything about the | | | | appraisal and consumer organizations. Purchase |
| diamond, that they tell you what is guaranteed | | | | your diamond the right way and you and your |
| and what services are included. A shady retailer | | | | loved one will enjoy the diamond for many years |
| will usually give you as little information as possible, | | | | to come. |