Diamond buying tips from someone who loves diamonds
This subject came up in conversation not far back and I’ve been asked to give tips on buying diamonds. I thought I’d post them here as well as I’m sure more people are interested than those I directly know.
There are lots of sites giving information on the 4 C’s and they mostly do a pretty good job. I’m just covering the stuff they usually leave out.
Size:
Carats are volume, not the top surface size that you notice.
Diamond Size Chart from Amazon This page has a downloadable pdf that shows the sizes of various shapes of diamonds at various carat weights. Not all shapes are created equal.
Color:
Rogers Jewelers has a nice image showing various diamond colors. Have a local jeweler lay out several stones for you in various colors. You’ll pay less the further you go down the color scale but I find it almost impossible to tell the difference between many colors.
Cut:
Cut matters a great deal. A badly cut diamond won’t sparkle as nicely as a well cut diamond. You have to look at a stone to judge the cut. Or if you are buying online buy stones rated by the GIA on cut.
Differently cut stones of the same size can appear very different in size. Also clarity is more apparent on some cuts than on others.
Clarity:
PGR Gems has a nice chart and page of descriptions of clarity ratings. An emerald, asscher or other cut of that type will only be done on flawless or close to flawless stones. You’ll pay more for these stones for that reason. A princess or round cut can hide flaws sometimes as bad as SI1 and still look very good. If you buy a stone SI1 or lower – check it out in person.
If you are buying from a local jeweler negotiate. Get some prices online and see what you should be paying. Go into the store when it is quiet and talk to the manager, not a teenage clerk. We’ve had jeweler’s knock 50% of the retail price more than once.
Not all jewelers are reputable. Learn how to recognize Enhanced diamonds You’ll find them in places you would not expect to find them. Trust no jeweler – ask if a diamond has been enhanced every time you buy one. We’ve run across enhanced stones at several reputable mall jewelry stores.
I’ve found my best deals on line. But there is nothing like looking at a diamond in person to know whether or not it is pretty and whether or not it is the one for you.
And finally do not shop near holidays. Come Mother’s Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day the jeweler’s take all the junk out of the back room and put it out for sale. They know desperate male last minute shoppers will buy anything. If you want good stuff, cheap, don’t shop for diamonds near holidays.
