5 Diamond Jewelry Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Diamond Jewelry
Looking for the wedding bands of your dreams? Want to add a shiny new accessory to your collection? On the hunt for something you can wear now and pass down to your children and grandchildren later in life?
You’re probably thinking of getting diamond jewelry. But if you have no idea where to start, one good way to begin this journey on a high note is to know and understand the mistakes you’ll need to avoid when buying them.
From knowing whether you should get lab-grown or mined diamonds to figuring out what cuts and colors you’d like to go with, buying diamond jewelry isn’t as simple as it seems. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes you should definitely steer clear of. Read on below!
Not Doing Your Research
Never ever forget to do your research first before buying a diamond. If you've heard of the 4cs, you already know how important it is to inspect a diamond's cut, clarity, carat, and color before buying it.
A diamond's carat and color are plain and simple to determine. Its clarity and cut, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated, making them much harder to discern. When attempting to understand a diamond’s clarity, look carefully for its possible flaws. When all else fails, it pays to seek advice from a reputable jeweler.
Differences in cut can boost or lower a diamond's price by 10% on average. This is typically influenced by how brilliantly it reflects light to sparkle and shine. When shopping for a diamond, it's critical to consider each of these four selling points to get the best deal for the best quality.
This entire process of getting diamond jewelry will also go a lot smoother if you understand diamond terms. Take as much time as you need to learn them by heart, especially if this is your first time. Thankfully, there are a plethora of websites available nowadays that can teach you everything you need to know about diamond terminology.
Not Reading Reviews
Reviews exist for one reason—to be read thoroughly. Before going to a store or checking any item out on their website, do a quick Google search to find out what people are saying about the dealer in question. Move on to the next one if they receive a lot of negative reviews or concerns.
When it comes to diamond jewelry, not only should you check the dealer's website for reviews, but you should also look at other internet platforms. Because social media, personal blogs, and internet forums are generally unfiltered, you'll be able to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of buying from a certain dealer. These are excellent ways to learn about a dealer's customer service and whether or not the items they're selling are genuine.
Not Having A Clue What Certified And Non-Certified Diamonds Are
The way diamonds are certified is through gemological institutions that inspect and review the quality of every single one of them before giving them certification. The Gemological Institute of America issues an official certificate for these diamonds. Non-certified diamonds, on the other hand, are subjected to several quality assurance inspections and are issued non-certified documents.
Both certified and non-certified diamonds have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Certified diamonds, for example, are guaranteed in quality and come with confirmation of assessment. But, of course, these diamonds come at a very steep price and typically offer less of a selection to choose from when you’re shopping for them. Non-certified diamonds are less expensive, but their value can be altered because there is no proof of appraisal.
Bottom line is, not all diamonds are created equal so you need to know what kind you want to get. Examine the documentation of both certified and non-certified diamonds to ensure you are paying a fair price for what you are buying.
Not Thinking About Longevity
Will you or the person you’re buying that jewelry for enjoy what you’ll choose ten years from now? Maybe you like heart-shaped diamonds right now, but 10 years from now you'll wish you had bought a classic round instead.
If you're looking for a stone to preserve and pass down, think about what you or the one you’re giving to will always enjoy. We all go through periods, such as when we wish to get rid of that one tattoo! So, when it comes to beautiful jewelry, consider what will stand the test of time.
Not Setting A Proper Budget—And Sticking To It!
Some of the most common mistakes you’ll run into in the world of diamonds are not setting realistic budgets or creating budgets but never sticking to them.
Trust us, you'll most certainly overspend on the wrong piece if you don't know your budget before purchasing diamond jewelry. Before you step foot in a store or visit a website, make sure you've established a realistic budget. Promise yourself you'll stick to it—and then actually stick to it. When you're talking to dealers, you can tell them exactly what your budget is and make it clear that you're not willing to go beyond it.
Letting your dealer know your budget benefits everyone because they’ll know you're serious and will have some information to work with. As for you, it will give you peace of mind that you will not overspend on diamonds. Furthermore, having a budget in place before making the purchase can help you avoid financial stress because you won't end up with too much debt simply because you're purchasing jewelry.
Shop For Diamonds Without Worry
Diamonds are difficult to grasp, especially if this is your first time doing this whole thing. But there’s really nothing to worry about when shopping for the best piece that suits you or the one you’re gifting this to.
With so many resources online—from articles that answer all the questions you have in your head to communities that will welcome you with open arms—you’ve got a lot of support right by your side. And when anything still feels a little too complicated, there are always trusted jewelers whose answers shine as bright as the diamonds they know so much about.
