When you go to buy diamond jewelry, if you do not know what you are doing you may be scammed. How do you know you are when you are not an expert? Here are a few tips, but read up on this, because there are a few things you should learn along with what to spot when shopping to buy your diamond jewelry.
When they tell you the total carat weight, what does this mean? Many stores list the total weight of all the diamonds in their information and not list the center stone separate. You have to ask them to distinguish this for you because a diamonds total weight of the center stone is worth more than all the other diamonds totally the same weight of the center. For example if you have 8 stones surrounding the center diamond and they both weigh the same, the center diamond would be worth more. The center diamond could very well cost over $5000 while all the smaller stones, of the same weight could only cost about $1500. Ask them to make sure you know the weight of both. If they will not provide this information, then leave and go to another store that will do this for you!
Next thing to watch for, if they say it is a blue-white diamond and tell you it is more expensive than the others do not believe it. This in fact is just the opposite of it. The bluish color actually makes a diamond look milky colored and of less value. Don’t even bother with a jeweler who tells you this.
Another scam they use is called The Bait and Switch…this means an advertised diamond is sold when you get there and they want to get you to buy another diamond, which actually costs a lot more. If the advertised one isn’t available and they will not give you a rain check then find a different store.
Never take an in house appraisal. They will always tell you it is worth more than it is just to get you to buy it. Take it to someone who doesn’t sell diamonds and is not connected to anyone who does. This way you will get an honest appraisal.
Always check for loose stones because many jewelers will hide flaws under the prongs. Any damage that there is could very well make the stone more fragile after it is tightened under the prongs.
Watch out for deposit scams. Many of them will tell you that you have to leave a deposit if you want to take it for an appraisal and do not let you know it is not refundable. Get everything in writing before going. Learn all you can before you buy diamond jewelry.
