There aren’t many occasions in life that call for a diamond. For the majority of us, we won’t have many opportunities or reasons to buy a one. For those who are lucky enough to be considering it – perhaps as a gift for someone else, or for an engagement ring – buying diamonds online can be highly rewarding. It’s not like the purchase of a new pair of shoes; a diamond is a big commitment that requires plenty of planning and research.
If you’re buying an engagement ring, a lot of people incorrectly assume that the purchase of a diamond in its setting will be cheaper. This simply isn’t the case, and you will often be able to find better quality diamonds if you buy loose diamonds from a reputable online trader. Before you start looking for the perfect diamond, follow these invaluable tips for buying the perfect loose diamond online.
Understand the 4Cs
The 4C's of a diamond are essential to understanding the quality and look of a diamond. The 4C's are :
- Cut
- Clarity
- Carat
- Colour
These factors are used to grade the value of the diamond, so it’s important to get clued up on how they influence the price. Other factors to consider are the polish, symmetry, and fluorescence. These will all impact the price of a diamond, so make sure you read up and establish what you want before making a decision.
Ask See a Picture of the Actual Diamond
It may seem very obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people buy a diamond without seeing a picture of what exactly they’re buying.This is very common with wholesale sites that sell a lot of lower-quality diamonds. To save time, they only photograph a few diamonds, so instead of seeing your exact diamond, you’ll see something that is similar. As buying a diamond is a large investment, you should always ask the online seller to provide an image of your exact diamond so you can make an informed decision. Most reputable retailers, such as Diamonds of Choice will allow this.
Look for Certified Diamonds
Never buy a diamond that isn’t certified, as this is the only way you can be sure that you are buying a genuine diamond. The most popular certifications are GIA, AGS, and EGL, and the seller should volunteer this information freely when asked. If you’re having difficulty getting the certification, you might want to consider a different diamond dealer. The certification also confirms the size, flaws, and inclusions, so it’s a good way to make sure you know what you’re getting.
Only Buy from Trustworthy Sellers
If a website is selling diamonds at prices too good to be true, this is probably a warning sign. Look for a trustworthy seller that has a good online footprint and multiple online reviews. If their website says they are members of any societies such as the Responsible Jewellery Council, check the RJC website and make sure they’re listed. You should also look for information such as a detailed company history, a phone number, and TrustPilot reviews.
Look for a Returns Policy
If the website you are considering buying from doesn’t have a returns policy, then you should think twice before ordering from them. Read all of the small print so you know your rights before handing over any money. Most retailers offer a 14 day returns policy, which gives you plenty of time to review your purchase and decide if it’s what you want. If a company offers a very short or complicated returns process, ask further questions to find out if you are likely to run into conflict if you decide to return it. You should also check if the company offers a safe way to return the diamond because a diamond isn’t something you can just pop in the post.
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