Buying a diamond is a complex process and not everyone knows what to pay attention to first. That’s why we always recommend contacting experts, such as ourselves if you’re not sure before you spend money on something you might regret.
We usually receive emails from people who are looking for a diamond. However, from time to time, we also get questions about diamonds that have already been purchased. Buyer’s remorse is a common thing and can happen to anyone, especially when getting an expensive item.
In this case, a woman contacted us about her partner’s purchase, asking for reassurance that the diamond that was on the way to them was actually a good one.
Here’s the reader’s original email:
“Hi, my boyfriend just purchased this diamond: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.14-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-7888240?a_aid=dmnd1357
I am a little concerned about purchasing something so expensive online without seeing it first – any thoughts as to whether this is a good cut, eye clean diamond?”
This is a great opportunity for us to talk about the importance of thinking twice before you spend money on something. That’s why we created a whole educational section on our site to help anyone with any type of diamond question. From the importance of a diamond cut to the style of the ring setting. Every decision you make is an important one and can affect the result.
Diamond-Buying Process
When people start the diamond-buying process, they can get easily overwhelmed. With so many diamond options out there, it’s difficult to know where to start. And even if you know the quality range to look for, there are still at least a few hundred diamonds with similar specifications but a very different price. But if you just choose a random one or the cheapest one of them, you might end up with a badly cut, not eye-clean or yellowish diamond. So how do you choose the right one?
There is no shame in contacting an expert and asking for help. In a lot of cases, you can’t fully trust salespeople in jewelry stores because a lot of them care more about sales than honesty. That’s why we created our company – to help people who are not sure what to buy and what to focus on. Contacting us doesn’t cost a thing and we’re always here to help.
One of the most fundamental things is to find a jewelry store that is trustworthy and has a great reputation. If you know that you get a great warranty, at least 15-30 days to return or exchange your diamond or diamond jewelry, and the possibility of a full refund, it makes the actual shopping much easier. It gives you the peace of mind that if you choose something that your partner doesn’t like, you won’t lose all that money you put into it.
Diamond Ring Search
There are three things you should establish before you start your diamond search:
- Diamond shape – The first thing you want to do is to choose the shape of a diamond you want to go with. Selecting one or two shapes will ease up the diamond search and make the buying princess much faster.
- Ring setting style – The second thing is to figure out what ring style you want. This could directly affect the diamond quality you’ll be looking for. And of course, don’t forget to figure out your partner’s ring size.
- Know your budget – Knowing how much you want to spend is essential. It gives you a clear idea of the diamond price ceiling since you can ignore everything over this amount.
Now that you know the essentials, you can start setting up the right filters for your diamond search. There are several important diamond aspects that you should pay attention to if you want to pick a diamond that will have a lot of brilliance and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. We covered all of these in more detail in our diamond buying guide, but let’s summarize them here so you have at least some idea of what they are.
- Diamond cut – Since cut is what makes a diamond beautiful, it’s important that you don’t forget about it. GIA grades diamonds most accurately so you can be sure that what you see in a GIA certificate is true.
- Diamond color – The recommended color isn’t always the same. Make sure to consider the diamond shape and the style of your ring before you make a decision.
- Diamond clarity – Some shapes have their specifics, but generally speaking, you always want to find an eye-clean diamond.
- Diamond carat weight – If this is important to you, you can set up the minimum carat weight you’re looking for. Another approach is to work with your budget and see what carat weight fits that amount. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re happy with the result.
The Result
It’s not an easy thing to tell someone that the diamond they bought already isn’t good at all. Especially if they miss the window for returns. Luckily, this wasn’t the case. The reader who picked the 2.14ct diamond did a great job. Even though they went for the highest color and one of the highest clarity grades, the overall quality was perfect. They were truly relieved when we assured them the diamond would have a lot of brilliance.
Happy endings aren’t always the case. To avoid getting disappointed, you can go through our guides and educational materials on our site or contact one of our experts directly. Asking for a second opinion isn’t a weakness and it can potentially save you a lot of time and money.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
Read More
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- Ask A Diamond Pro: Princess Cut Diamond For a Halo Setting Within $5,500
- Ask A Diamond Pro: Upgrading Engagement Ring for 10th Anniversary
- Ask A Diamond Pro: $4000 Max Budget for Woman with Large Fingers
- Ask A Diamond Pro: Big Price on Setting, Not Much Left for a Diamond