Diamond Education
How To Buy a Engagement Ring
When looking for the perfect ring for your spouse its imperative to make sure you maximize your budget and get the best value for your loved one and the one ring that symbolizes your love together.
What to Spend?
Budgets vary just as diamond size, color, and clarity. We recommend using a two to three months salary as a benchmark to start. This obviously is flexible as are we and what we can accomplish given the budget. Our recommendation is to always find the stone first and then use our design services to complete that one of a kind ring.
Look for hints!
When considering a ring more times that not both of you have discussed the possibility of spending your futures together. With this in mind its okay to ask for examples of rings they like or styles. We can assist you with the various styles and designs and get to the ring they're looking for. With GIA Gemologist to assist in your diamond search and expert jewelry designers to guide you through design we have the staff to make your engagement a huge success!
Metal Matters
When considering your engagement ring we provide two options for our clients to choose from when regarding gold or platinum. We have a recycled program which is loved by many of our clients because of its low environmental impact and social responsibility.
Diamond Buying Guide
When purchasing a Diamond it very common to have researched and know the "4c's".
RESEARCH AND LEARN
As with any significant purchase, start by researching your options. Educate yourself about the 4Cs and determine which diamond qualities are most important to you. This decision, along with your budget, will help guide your diamond purchase.
2. LOOK FOR SPECIFICS
When shopping online, make sure you know exactly what you are buying. Some sites show diamonds with a range in carat weight, color or clarity. To ensure you know the value of the stone you’re purchasing, look for specifics on its 4Cs, not a range.
Diamond Buying Guide Infographic
GIA Color Grading
GIA Clarity Grading
GIA Cut Grading
Carat Weight
LOOK FOR A GRADING REPORT
Make sure the diamond comes with an independent grading report, like those provided by GIA, which provides an unbiased analysis of the diamond’s 4Cs. A diamond’s value is largely determined by quality, so an objective, third-party assessment of the 4Cs is critical.
VERIFY THE GIA REPORT WITH REPORT CHECK
If the diamond comes with a GIA report, you can verify the report details on Report Check, GIA’s secure, online database and even print out a facsimile of the report, when available. It’s a convenient way to make sure that the online product description matches the grading results.
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LOOK FOR A LASER INSCRIPTION
For added security, find out if the diamond’s grading report number is laser-inscribed on its girdle. In some cases the diamond will be inscribed before it is offered for sale, or it can be requested at the time of purchase. In addition to the diamond’s unique GIA report number, the inscription can be a personal message or symbol for identification. The microscopic inscription is viewable under 10X magnification, using a jeweler’s loupe, and because it’s noted on the diamond’s GIA report, it will help ensure that the diamond you receive matches the report issued for it.
KNOW THE SELLER
Once you’ve decided on the diamond that’s right for you, there are a few quick checks to do on the company you’re considering buying from. You’ll want to know:
- How long has the company been in business?
- What kind of reviews has the company received?
- Does it belong to any jewelry trade associations? (Associations often have ethical guidelines members have to meet.)
- Do they offer secure transactions?
- Are the online representatives helpful?
- What is the return policy?
- Where is the seller located?
- How will the diamond be shipped? Is the shipment insured? Is signature required for delivery?
- In addition to the above, if you’re buying from online auction sites, you’ll also want to look into buyer feedback and ratings and determine if the seller is providing sufficient evidence of the quality of the diamond offered for sale, such as photographs, a grading report, or report number that can be verified
PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY WITH OUT-OF-COUNTRY ONLINE SITES
For example, U.S.-based consumers have options for recourse when buying from a U.S. based company, such as filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Jewelers’ Vigilance Committee (JVC), Better Business Bureau (BBB), etc., or pursuing a legal case in civil court. Websites that do not have a physical presence in your home country may be insulated from recourse and attempts to recover funds can be frustrating.
VIEW THE DIAMOND IN PERSON
The convenience of online shopping can’t be beat if you’re researching your options and trying to narrow your choices. Be aware that diamonds that appear to be almost identical on a grading report − same color, clarity or cut grades − may look different from each other when viewed in person. Ultimately, your decision is a personal one, so seeing the diamond with your own eyes is the best way to determine if it’s right for you. So look for online sellers with retail stores and/or easy and flexible return policies.
The vast majority of online diamond purchases go smoothly. Follow the recommendations above to greatly increase your chances for a stress-free and secure online diamond purchase.
CLARITY
