Savvy diamond shopping must begin with a trustworthy vendor
NEW YORK — Few things are as confusing as buying a diamond. What to keep in mind when picking one out:
Find a reputable vendor
If the vendor wants to chit-chat about your beloved instead of answering your questions, it’s probably time to move on. Ask if the store is a member of a reputable trade organization, such as the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Get the store’s return policy in writing. If you’re buying online, find out who’s liable if your diamond gets lost in the mail.
Get the papers
If you’re looking at bigger diamonds, ask for a certificate from an independent grader, such as the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Society Laboratories.
Buy shy
Prices jump disproportionately at the carat and half-carat mark, so consider buying something just a little below those sizes. Your friends won’t be able to tell any difference between 0.95 carats and 1 carat, and you’ll probably save a few hundred dollars.
Buy small
A ring with several smaller stones can cost much less than a ring with one big stone because diamond prices increase exponentially with size. A 1-carat diamond of a certain grade might cost $5,500, but 10 smaller diamonds that collectively weigh 1 carat could cost $1,800, one expert estimates.
Christina Rexrode, The Associated Press
