How to Buy a Certified GIA Diamond Online
Not all diamonds are equal and small factors can affect the price by hundreds or thousands of dollars. The best way to buy a diamond is in person through a reputable jeweler, because two diamonds that are identical in terms of its certified qualities may not look the same or have the same effect. However, you may be able to get a much better price for an equivalent diamond online. When buying a diamond online, making sure the diamond is certified is important. GIA, which is the Gemological Institute of America, is the most-recognized diamond-grading lab. There are some things you should keep in mind when buying a GIA-certified diamond online. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Get educated on the four C's: carat, color, clarity and cut. Carat is the weight of the diamond, color is how white it is, clarity is how clean or free of inclusions it is, and cut is how well the diamond has been faceted and proportioned. The most expensive diamonds are large, colorless, free of flaws even under a microscope, and are proportioned for maximum fire and brilliance. Just a small variance in any one of these factors can have a huge impact on the price.
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Decide on your budget and the requirements for your diamond. If you are mounting the ring in yellow gold, you may choose to go with a near colorless stone instead of a colorless one so that you can afford a bigger or better cut diamond. A smaller, better cut diamond may have more sparkle and impact than a larger, poorly cut one.
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Look for online retailers that are reputable, have secure payment options on their site, and have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. Work with an online retailer who has a customer service line that allows you to speak with someone and ask questions. Blue Nile, Diamonds.com, Mondera and Ice.com have all received good ratings. You may wish to use a credit card for additional purchase protection.
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Be sure to loupe your diamond when it arrives to make sure it is the right diamond. No two diamonds have inclusions in the same place, so the marks on the diamond plot on your certification are your guide to seeing if it is the right diamond. Confirm it with a reputable appraiser if you are unsure. If it isn't, call customer service immediately to make them aware and call to dispute the charge on your credit card.
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