How to Buy a Diamond
Buying a diamond can be a once in a lifetime experience - it can also be confusing and a little nerve wracking, depending on the the amount of money you plan to spend on your diamond.
When buying a diamond, consumer education is very important. The more you know, the better diamond you’ll get for your money. Consider these important points when searching to buy the perfect diamond:
1. Budget: What is your budget? You should know how much you’d like to spend and how much is the “absolute maximum” amount you can afford before you walk into any store, or begin looking to buy a diamond online. Many a shopper has been drawn into an unaffordable purchase by a sparkling diamond and a good salesperson. Determine your budget and stick to it!
2. Shop Around: Before you buy a diamond, check out several stores and online merchants. By surveying a variety of styles at each store, it will allow you to get a feel for average prices and styles, so you won’t to into sticker shock when you finally find the piece you want. The easiest way to shop around when buying a diamond is to look at online stores first. We recommend Diamond.com or BlueNile.com as 
good starting points in buying a diamond that is right for you or your loved one.
3. Find a Reputable Jeweler: When considering the purchase of diamond jewelry, find a reputable jeweler who will discuss warranty, care and cleaning and financing options with you.
4. Style: Find the right style jewelry that suits your taste. When buying diamonds, think about what style you like: modern, classic, floral, single stone or multi-stone. Also consider the metal: yellow gold, white gold, platinum or a combination of two. Jewelry should fit your size as well as your lifestyle - if you’re a woman who is only 5′1″, your hands may seem overwhelmed by a large carat ring, so a different size or shape stone may better suit you. If you participate in sports, you may want to consider a lower set ring (one that doesn’t protrude as high from your hand) so as not catch during activity (or consider taking it off every time you play).
5. Find the Best Quality Diamond for Your Money: Since most of us can’t afford a 5 carat diamond from Tiffany’s, Inc., we have to make the best of what we can afford. Diamond quality is determined by what is known as the “4 C’s”. (See the Wizard of Jewelry article “Determining Diamond Quality” for detailed information about the 4 C’s). Most jewelers agree that finding a good balance between the 4 C’s is the best way to buy a diamond. Ask questions about the characteristics of your potential purchase and try to find a diamond that is of good quality and a carat weight that will make you happy.
Happy Shopping!
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