How to Buy Canadian Diamonds

Buying Canadian diamonds isn't much different than buying other diamonds - the "four Cs," carat, color, clarity and cut, still apply, but by buying Canadian diamonds you can help avoid ending up with a "blood" or "conflict" diamond that has helped support slavery, inhumane treatment of humans, violent wars and terrorist activities. Canadian diamonds are real, natural diamonds.Here's how to buy a Canadian diamond.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jeweler's loupe

Buy Canadian Diamonds

1. Locate a jeweler or diamond dealer who is a member of the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct. Not all diamonds sold in Canada have originated in Canada. To protect consumers and ensure that they are getting a real Canadian Diamond, there is a certification process by the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct. By purchasing from a member of the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct you are assured that your diamond was mined in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.The office of the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct maintains a web listing of retail dealers who offer Canadian diamonds at http://www.canadiandiamondcodeofconduct.ca/EN_Csignregistry.htm. The site also offers a lot of information on making sure the diamond you're considering is conflict-free and was mined in Canada.

2. Learn about carats.Carat is the size, or more correctly, the weight of the diamond. You may think that the larger the diamond the higher the price, however, that can vary depending on the diamond's other qualities. A one-carat diamond with poor color and clarity will sell for less than a much smaller diamond that has perfect color and clarity. Some consumers prefer a larger stone that is not quite as high in quality, while others would prefer the highest quality stone they can get, even if it means purchasing a much smaller stone. This is a matter of preference and budget, but be an informed consumer and know what you are paying for.

3. Learn about Clarity .Clarity is the number and size of the inclusions in the diamond. Because they are created by nature, nearly all diamonds have some inclusions or "flaws." Use a jeweler's loupe to see the inclusions and determine for yourself how many inclusions are acceptable to you. A diamond with no inclusions is going to be much more expensive than its counterpart with a few inclusions, yet in many cases the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. Again, this is a matter of budget and preference.

4. Learn about Color.Color refers, obviously, to the color of the diamond. Unless you are shopping for specialty colored diamonds, such as black or pink diamonds, you want the diamond to be as colorless as possible. Few diamonds are truly colorless, and they are pricey, but the closer a diamond is to the colorless standard,the more beautiful, and expensive, it is going to be. Only you can decide how important color is to you, and how much you are willing to pay for a near colorless diamond. By being informed, you can make sure, however, that you get the best quality diamond for your money.

5. Learn about cut.Cut refers to both the shape and proportion of the facets. In general, the shape is a personal preference, however, if you're looking for lots of flash and sparkle, a round cut naturally shows off the most "fire." Another thing to check is that the diamond is cut properly and proportionally. This depends on the skill of the person who faceted the diamond. In general, if a diamond is close to a perfect color and clarity rating, a highly skilled diamond cutter probably cut it. If it is a poor quality diamond, it's more likely that a cutter still perfecting their technique worked on the diamond. Use the loupe to evaluate for yourself whether the cuts are clean and balanced.

6. Shop around for the best price.Like any other high-dollar purchase, it's worth shopping around a little bit. Check with at least two or three stores to make sure you are paying a fair price. Canadian diamonds are generally more expensive than other diamonds, but they are also mined in a responsible manner, and you are not supporting slavery, war or other social problems when you purchase a Canadian diamond. As you go to each dealer, write down the carats, clarity, color, cut and price of the diamonds you are seriously interested in. Compare these prices, taking into consideration the seller you feel most comfortable with, and then choose and purchase your Canadian diamond.If you are purchasing your diamond online, search for coupons or promotion codes to save some extra money. Sites like retailmenot.com and dealtaker.com are a good place to search for coupons for Canadian diamonds.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ask to see the Canadian diamond certificate. A certificate is issued for each diamond and a reputable dealer should have the certificate for the diamond you are interested in readily available. If a seller hesitates or tries to avoid showing you the certificate, walk away.
• Visit the American Gem Society website at http://www.americangemsociety.org/4cs.htm to learn more about the 4 Cs of purchasing a diamond.
• Not all diamonds sold in Canada are Canadian diamonds. Some are imported from other countries and marketed by unscrupulous dealers as "Canadian diamonds."

Resources

• Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct