| When it comes to diamonds, there are numerous | | | | Take your time. Don't purchase the first |
| scams to avoid. Most scams are minor, but | | | | diamond that you see that interests you. |
| there are some major ones that come up from | | | | Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. |
| time to time concerning the buying and | | | | Do some comparison shopping to find the |
| selling of diamonds. With all of the | | | | lowest and best offer prices. Once you have |
| potential for scams concerning diamonds, | | | | found the lowest price, start doing your |
| buying diamonds online almost seems | | | | detail investigation. You know about |
| unthinkable! However, you actually can | | | | diamonds, you've found a diamond that you |
| purchase diamonds online, without any | | | | love, and you've found the lowest price - but |
| problems - as long as you are careful. | | | | you are still quite a ways away from actually |
| | | | purchasing that diamond! |
| First, think about your reasons for wanting | | | | |
| to purchase the diamond online, as opposed to | | | | In this respect, ask about the seller's |
| making a purchase from a local jewelry store. | | | | credentials and qualifications, such as |
| The most common reason is price. Due to low | | | | professional jewelry associations that they |
| overhead costs, online jewelers and | | | | belong to. View and print the seller's |
| wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. | | | | return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also |
| However, you must be careful - sometimes a | | | | inquire about additional services, such as |
| price that is too low is a sure indication of | | | | settings and mountings, sizing, and free |
| a scam. | | | | shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on |
| | | | this particular company around the Internet. |
| One of the best things about purchasing | | | | Also check with the BBB Online to see if |
| online is the unlimited selection. When | | | | there have been any complaints. |
| shopping offline, you are limited to the | | | | |
| selection in the stores in your general area. | | | | Ask for a diamond grading report from an |
| Online, there are no limits. But again, you | | | | independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL |
| must use a great deal of care and | | | | or AGS. You should see this before making a |
| consideration before handing your money over | | | | purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow |
| to someone that you cannot see and have never | | | | service for high dollar diamonds - preferably |
| met! | | | | one that will have the diamond appraised |
| | | | while it is in their possession. The seller |
| Before shopping, learn as much as you can | | | | sends the diamond to the escrow service, and |
| about diamonds - especially cut, color, | | | | you send the money to pay for the diamond to |
| clarity and carat weights. When you are | | | | the escrow service. The escrow service has |
| knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be | | | | the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to |
| harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once | | | | you, and sends the money to the seller. This |
| you know more about diamonds, you will be | | | | is the surest way to protect |
| ready to start shopping. | | | | yourself...again, make sure that you use a |
| | | | reputable escrow service! |