Having information on the 4 C’s, available in GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is a must but keep in mind that this information alone is not enough for making an informed diamond purchase decisions. Listed below some common mistakes, usually based on unfounded assumptions, buyers tend to make:
Mistake #1:Diamonds that have the same 4 C’s are the same
This is by far the most common assumption. The rule of thumb you should keep in mind is that NO two diamonds in the world are exactly the same. 4 C’s are determined on the basis of various lab measurements and they do not prove two diamonds with 4 C’s are going to handle the light rays in the same way.
Mistake #2: Everything you should know about a diamond is in the certificate
Besides color, cut grade and clarity, you should also dig out for information on the table and depth percentage, especially if you’re going to spend a good deal of money on diamond jewelry. Even experts are not in a position to tell the difference between 2 diamonds with identical color, cut grade & clarity by just looking at them. Additional information (for a deeper analysis) that you can look out for includes the material quality and table & depth percentages (determined through angle shifting method).
Mistake #3: Diamonds can be bought cheaper on the web or at a jewelry show
This is one of the most mistakes made by diamond jewelry buyers, courtesy well designed marketing campaigns. The truth however is that diamonds are going to cost more or less the same if they’re of good quality. Only diamonds that can be sold cheaper are those with some minor or major defects. Except watches, items having diamonds as adornments have no well-defined list price due to this very reason. Online diamond jewelry stores that offer 50-70% discounts on diamond engagement rings and even lose diamonds actually inflate their original prices to trick inexperienced buyers.
Mistake #4: Color and Clarity determine how brilliant a diamond really is.
Well, the truth is – it’s cutting which actually determines the brilliance (or beauty) of a diamond stone. For example, if you check out a D color diamond stone at a local jewelry store, it may (or may not) have a really good Color rating but clearly average ‘brilliance.’ A truly ‘brilliant’ diamond stone is cut in the right proportions, while balancing various other parameters including color and clarity.
Mistake #5: Avoid florescent diamond stones
Florescence does not have any major effect on how good (in terms of beauty or brilliance) a diamond is. However, it can affect how easily the diamond can be resold in future, should the need arise. The price too is likely to be slightly different.
Mistake #6: Avoid buying diamond jewelry items on the internet
Although an increasingly large number of people are now shopping at online jewelry stores like ours, there’s still a major chunk of the population that frets at the thought of buying any expensive on the internet. The fear is mostly unfounded, a result of their lack of knowledge about the options available and security mechanisms in place.
Browse through our selection of diamond jewelry or call us at 866-866-9920 if you’d like to speak to a certified gemologist.