The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Shopping and What Jewelers Don’t Tell You

Purchasing a diamond is bound to become one of the most thrilling and costly purchases of your life. Be it for an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or a personal investment, the world of diamonds can get tricky. There are many reasons why jewelers guard some of their information zealously. This guide shares everything that is needed before buying.

1. Carat Weight Tricks You Visually

What jewellers won’t tell you is that carat weight doesn’t always equate to visual size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look quite different because of the cut. For example, a top view of a deep cut diamond versus a shallow cut diamond will show the deep heavily outweighed diamond looking smaller, although both weigh one carat. 

If you’re looking to save money, it is best if you purchase just below key weight milestones, for instance, buying 0.90 instead of 1.0 carat. These magic sizes not only appear to be lower priced, but are much cheaper than the actual price value, while being nearly identical when viewed from above. This tip can be useful in terms of saving hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

2. Not All Certificates Are Equal

Conventional jewelers may present certified diamonds, but what is always omitted is that not all certifications are equal, and some are better than others. GIA, for example, is a universally accepted authority. Their diamonds go through rigorous scrutiny, which guarantees that the diamonds tagged will always be diamonds of the respected grade. 

In comparison with other lab-certified diamonds, EGL and IGI, their loose grading system ensures that a diamond categorized as “VS1” could very well be regarded as an “SI1” under the GIA ruling. This would greatly increase the marketable value, alongside misleading buyers. GIA assured diamonds are the only certified diamonds one can trust, having set standards.

3. Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Real—And Cost Less

A huge chunk of old-school jewelers still promote natural diamonds, but lab-grown diamonds are 40-50% cheaper, having the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. These stones are made in high-tech labs and shine just as brilliantly as mined diamonds. 

Due to the profit loss, jewelers do not sell lab-created stones and other similar products. However, most consumers focused on budgets or actively searching for eco-friendly alternatives will find lab-created diamonds a good option. 

4. Jewelers Often Push Higher Grades Than You Need

Another strategy has jewelers boosting diamonds clarity and color grades beyond the measurable indicator. They will try to sell you a “D” color or “VVS1” clarity diamond, while in reality, an SI1 clarity diamond looks just as perfect, especially when mounted. 

This will increase your budget without a good reason. Instead, look for “eye clean” diamonds, or those with no inclusions visible without magnification, and color G to J. At the end of the day, you can spend less without sacrificing too much value.

5. Some Diamonds Are Treated—And Not Always Disclosed

As an example, some diamonds have enhancements made to their color or clarity. These enhancements may consist of high-heat annealing or laser drilling. Even though these alterations make the diamonds more appealing, they lower the stones’ overall worth, and structurally, the diamond’s sustainability is compromised.

Sadly, not all jewelers make this information available unless it is directly requested. Make sure the certificate states there are no treatments done, or that listed treatments are mentioned. Look through the grading report's intricate details; it is possible they included tiny footnotes elsewhere.

6. Return and Upgrade Policies Matter

Jewelers don't mention return policies unless you have already purchased the item. This is important if you either wish to change your mind or would like to make an upgrade later on. Having an upgrade policy while allowing reasonable time for returns makes things easier for you. 

Make sure to ask the following questions before buying: How long is the return period? Are there restocking fees? Are there any other guarantees or means for upgrading the item? Local jewelers are outdone by online stores when it comes to selling policies—some go as far as providing lifetime upgrades and unconditional returns within a month.

7. Always Compare Before You Commit

What’s the greatest secret jewelers never want revealed? You should shop around. Jewelers typically wish customers develop an emotional connection to the stone and go ahead and make the purchase without doing any price or specification comparisons with other options available in the market. 

Instead, don’t rush. Use the 4Cs, certification, and price per carat metrics to compare diamonds from different vendors. With modern-day technology, comparison becomes easy since there are many available tools. This simple step has the potential to save thousands of your dollars or help you get a far better diamond for the same cost you initially intended to spend. 

In Conclusion 

The diamond trade greatly relies on emotion, margins, and mystique. But with the right set of questions to research beforehand, anyone can shop pro-style. Now that you are informed on what jewelers do not openly disclose, it is time to take action and enjoy the benefits of a truly stunning diamond.