How to Buy A Diamond

A diamond is one of the most important purchases you can make. You ought to get the best when buying a diamond, and you shouldn’t be taken advantage of when doing so. Here’s what you need to know about the buying process to help you get the diamond you deserve.

Know the 4Cs

The 4Cs - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight - tell you about the physical qualities of a diamond. Although it takes an expert jeweler to accurately interpret these qualities, it’s helpful for you to have a basic understanding of them and how each affects the price of a diamond.

Understand Which Grading Report Is Being Used

There are a few different grading reports that are used for diamonds, and most are from for-profit organizations. There are only two nonprofit organizations in the industry: Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). These are the two most respected organizations, and you should buy a diamond that has been certified by one of the two.

Note that there are some differences between AGS and GIA nomenclature, so it’s important to know which report is being used.

Know Who You’re Buying From

Many people don’t realize that a lot of the chain jewelry stores are actually owned by the same umbrella corporation. You may think you’re shopping around to compare prices, but you’re actually comparing the same company’s prices.

A major advantage of buying from a strong local jeweler is the ability to return to the same jeweler throughout your lifetime. Large chains may not see you as a potential lifelong customer, but rather as a single sale. Local jewelers, on the other hand, work to establish a relationship with you.

Large chain jewelers can’t hand pick diamonds because there are simply too many chains across the country. Strong local jewelers like Vanscoy, Maurer & Bash Diamond Jewelers are able to personally select each diamond they sell.

Prioritize What You Really Want

Buying diamonds comes down to priorities and preferences. What do you care about the most? Size? Clarity? Color? Cut? Only a true diamond expert can help you decide what balance of each will give you what you want, while staying within your budget.

If You Don’t Know Jewelry, You Need to Know Your Jeweler

Realistically speaking, no amount of research online can replace professional training. You can get a basic idea of what goes into diamond quality, but what you see online is different from actually seeing and evaluating the diamond in person.

Another way to look at it is to consider your relationship with your doctor. Even if you researched a medical condition yourself, you would still not be an expert on it. However, you know your doctor has the necessary training and you trust their assessment. Similarly, you should get to know and trust your jeweler.

Vanscoy, Maurer & Bash Diamond Jewelers is a family-owned jeweler that has been serving Lancaster County for over 67 years. We want to be your lifelong jeweler! Contact us today, or learn more about us from our website.