| Buying a diamond engagement ring can be a risky | | | | districts, simply because the competition is so |
| business! For most of us an engagement ring is | | | | fierce that it breeds questionable practices and |
| the third most expensive purchase we are likely | | | | half truths amongst the occupants. |
| to make, after our home and car. However I can | | | | Never buy a diamond without a certificate - |
| guarantee you know much more about buying a | | | | Without a certificate you could quite easily buy a |
| house, or a car than you do about buying a | | | | piece of glass set into an engagement ring setting |
| diamond ring! This lack of knowledge opens up the | | | | and be non the wiser, but up to $5000 poorer. |
| opportunity for dishonest people to take | | | | However a certificate alone does not guarantee a |
| advantage of you. | | | | better deal, you need to be proficient in |
| This generally takes the form of selling you a | | | | understanding exactly what it is telling you, and |
| poor quality diamond ring for a higly inflated price. | | | | how each factor that is covered affects the price |
| How can you avoid the pitfalls? | | | | and quality of the ring. |
| There are some basic precautions you can take, | | | | Understand the 4 C's of diamonds - Most people |
| which will significantly reduce the risk. Some of | | | | know something about the 4 C's of diamond |
| these include: | | | | buying including, Cut, Clarity, Carat and Color. |
| Get Educated - Research the subject of buying | | | | However very few people know how to each of |
| diamonds, in exactly the same way you would if | | | | the 4 factors interact to determine the price and |
| you were buying a car. There is no substituted | | | | quality of a diamond. |
| for this, and if you are willing to make the effort | | | | If you follow this advice you significantly reduce |
| you can have more knowledge of the subject in | | | | your chance of being fleeced by a dishonest |
| 2 hours, than 95% of your fellow consumers. | | | | salesman. Treat your purchase as a significant |
| Buy from a reputable source - Whether you | | | | financial purchase. Set your budget up-front and |
| decide to make your purchase online or at a | | | | do not go too much above or below the price |
| Jewelry store, make sure you have some | | | | you've set yourself. Try not to get to emotionally |
| background on the store. Visit the store and ask | | | | involved in the purchase and the outcome should |
| the salesman questions to gauge his level of | | | | be favorable. |
| knowledge. I would suggest you avoid the Jewelry | | | | |