7 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR JEWELER WHEN DIAMOND SHOPPING

 

Here are the important questions that you need to ask when shopping for diamonds from the jeweler-

1. Are the Diamonds Natural Diamonds or Lab-Grown Diamonds in the Store?

 

This is not a question that would have been asked fifteen years ago, as Lab-grown diamonds were not as popular as they are today, particularly among millennials. However, as a result of the stigma that is sometimes associated with mined diamonds, this question is now an important one, and you should not feel awkward about asking it. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular.

It should be made clear that either response is a valid one; nonetheless, the decision as to whether or not you purchase the item based on that answer will be determined by your own preferences. You need to be conscious of the fact that both of them are genuine diamonds. They are identical in terms of their metabolic make-up.

There is no such thing as a fake diamond, and natural diamonds that have taken millions of years to develop on the earth are not necessarily “blood” diamonds. Diamonds may also be created in laboratories. If you conduct sufficient study on both, you will be in a position to make an informed choice about the sort of diamond that will serve your needs the best.

2. What is the Color and Clarity of the Diamonds In the Jewelry?

 

You have the right to inquire as to what the approximate color and clarity grades are for the stones as a whole. This is because small diamonds, often weighing less than 0.20 carats, are rarely independently graded by any of the diamond labs listed above. In the jewelry industry, these diamonds are referred to as melee.

Additionally, if the item has many diamonds, you need to make sure that the colors of those stones are consistent with one another and complement one another. Most of the time, the naked eye is unable to distinguish a color difference of up to two grades on small diamonds.

3. Are the Loose Diamonds in the Piece Certified by a Reputed Grading Lab?

 

In the vast majority of instances, diamonds will be accompanied by independent certification. The exception to this rule is when the stone is set in an antique mounting and is from a period when laboratories either did not exist or were not utilized as often. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society Laboratory are considered to be the two grading laboratories in the United States that have the highest levels of credibility and that issue diamond certificates (AGSL). 

These are two of the most strict labs that currently exist, and the certifications that they issue will tell the buyer not only the carat weight and shape of the diamond, but also its color, clarity, measurements, polish, symmetry, and occasionally (in the case of a modern round brilliant-cut), its cut grade.

If for some reason the diamond is not accompanied by a certification from one of these two labs but you are still interested in purchasing it, ask the seller if they are willing to allow you a reasonable “full-money-back” return policy. This will give you time to take the diamond to be independently graded by an appraiser. Alternatively, if the diamond is not accompanied by a certification from one of these two labs but you are still interested in purchasing it, ask the seller if they are willing.

4. Do the Diamonds Have any Warranty?

 

You need to find out if the diamond comes with a warranty, service plan, or assessment before purchasing it. Find out what any of the criteria are if it comes with these things (for example, a cleaning and inspection every six months or you will VOID the guarantee) if it does.

Check to see whether they provide a service plan, which is often referred to as an E.S.P., which stands for extended service plan, and which will cover any repairs on the mounting. Find out whether or not these plans may be renewed, as well as the associated expenses.

5. Can I Check the Diamonds Under a Scope?

 

To describe the quality of something is one thing, but seeing it with your own eyes is a whole other thing. You need to examine the diamond via a jeweler’s loupe with a magnification of ten times (a 10x loupe will not suffice). 

You will be able to more readily compare the various colors and clarity grades of diamonds if you examine them using a microscope. You will have the capacity to truly appreciate the item that you are purchasing.

6. Does the Purchase Come with Return and exchange policies?

 

The process of purchasing a diamond piece can be thrilling, a bit stressful, and sometimes puzzling! It is only natural to get caught up in the whirlwind and forget about the more practical aspects of the situation when you are confronted with all of those gleaming gems. You should remember to examine yourself and make sure that everything else is in order after you have selected several rings that are genuine competitors. 

Before you sign any documents or give over any cash, you should inquire with your jeweler about their returns or exchange policy. Although it’s quite unlikely that you’ll ever have to deal with this issue, it’s still important to do so.

7. What are the Payment Options?

 

The likelihood is high that you are devoting a significant portion of your funds to the acquisition of an expensive diamond item, which may have repercussions for the rest of your financial situation. Therefore, make sure you don’t forget to discuss possible payment methods with your jeweler. 

Once you have decided to purchase the ring, the typical procedure is for you to make a deposit (the amount that you pay and the percentage that it represents varies from jeweler to jeweler). Once that, you have the option of paying the balance due in a single payment or in many payments when you come back to pick up the jewelry after it has been resized, polished, or altered. 

On the other hand, some jewelers may need complete payment to be made in one single installment, while others may be willing to accept direct debits for a certain number of months.