Common Diamond Buying Mistakes - Flawless Fine Jewellery

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BUYING-GUIDES

Common Diamond Buying Mistakes

Buying a diamond ring, particularly a diamond engagement ring, can be one of the larger purchases a person makes in their life. It’s important to do your research to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to get the best diamond for your money, and there are a lot of ways you can go wrong if you aren’t careful.

This short diamond buying guide will go over some of the most common mistakes consumers make to help you make the best decision you can.

DON’T DISREGARD THE CUT OF A DIAMOND

There’s a reason diamond cut is the first of the “four Cs” — cut, clarity, colour, and carat — that define the aesthetics of a diamond. The cut or the geometry of the faces cut into the diamond, are what cause the stone to catch the light and give it its sparkle and fire. A well-cut diamond will appear absolutely radiant, almost regardless of the diamond colour and clarity.

When considering what to look for in a diamond, many jewelers will sell stones based primarily on diamond clarity and colour, but be sure to ask them about the cut. A diamond with a high grade for clarity and colour that’s cut poorly will never look as good as a lower-grade diamond that’s cut well. It’s important to remember that diamond cutters are craftsman, and like any craft, you have people that are highly skilled, many that are good, and some that don’t know what they’re doing. So don’t ignore the cut!

DON’T ASSUME ALL GRADED DIAMONDS ARE THE SAME

Another diamond buying mistake people make is to assume that all diamonds of a given grade are the same. Diamond grades are based on certain measurable visual characteristics, but the four Cs can interact with each other, changing the overall look of a diamond. This means diamonds of the same grade can look very different from one another.

It’s a mistake to assume that everything you need to know about a diamond can be found on its certificate. Two diamonds with the same certification can appear very different to the eye. This is why it’s always recommended that buyers view their diamonds in person before purchasing.

DON’T ASSUME ALL GRADED DIAMONDS ARE THE SAME

DON’T WASTE TIME LOOKING FOR A BARGAIN

Diamonds are a valuable commodity, and their prices are set by a central authority, so there’s very little wiggle room. The prices for all reputable dealers will be within a fairly narrow range for diamonds of a given cut, clarity, colour and carat weight. Therefore trying to shop around for a great deal is a waste of time and is, in fact, something you want to avoid. If a diamond dealer is offering deep discounts, this is a red flag that the dealer’s diamonds aren’t what they seem. Also, don’t assume that you can negotiate with your jeweler to bring the price of your diamond down. Your jeweler’s costs are fixed. If they’re going to lower the price, they will likely have to cut quality somewhere. With diamonds, you get what you pay for. Arguing down the price will simply lower the quality of your final purchase.

DON’T EXPECT ALL JEWELERS TO BE DIAMOND EXPERTS

Jewelers sell jewelry. They don’t necessarily create it themselves, and they aren’t necessarily experts, about jewelry or about diamonds in particular. When shopping for a diamond engagement ring or other diamond jewelry, make sure you’re dealing with a trained expert. Ask about their credentials. A GIA graduate will have the training necessary to answer any questions you may have and give you accurate information on diamonds.

DON’T CHOOSE THE WRONG ENGAGEMENT RING STYLE

It’s important that the band and setting you choose for your diamond works harmoniously with the stone you’ve chosen. The style, size, and proportion of the ring need to match the diamond and the cut, or the final ring won’t be as stunning as it might otherwise be.

Highly-trained jewelers, like those here at Flawless Fine Jewelry, are experts at matching stones with a setting and style to bring the best out in every facet of your final ring.

DON’T RUSH — TAKE YOUR TIME

Above all, don’t be in a hurry to get your diamond purchase finished. Make sure you consult with experts, look at different diamond cuts, get educated on what the different grades of diamond mean. Go and look at the diamonds you’re interested in. If you’re buying online, make sure you’re using a reputable dealer, and be certain their experts have inspected the diamonds they’re selling. Take the time to find the right setting for the diamond you’ve chosen. You or the person you’re buying for will be wearing this diamond jewelry for years to come. Don’t make the mistake of rushing into a purchase. Taking the time to find the right diamond is worth the investment.