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