Your Boyfriend bought you a Bad looking Diamond? I feel sorry for the Ladies when this happens; They'll come into the Jewelry Store and say there's a
Crack in their Diamond or there's an ugly Black Spot in the stone. They'll ask what it means, and we'll have to tell them...
It's the Quality!
He bought a Diamond Quality that isn't good. She'll ask if there's anything she can do about it? Frankly, NO!
Your boyfriend bought you a low Clarity Diamond, probably I Clarity (I1, I2 or I3). Which means, he bought you a Diamond that had eye-visible Inclusions and/or Cracks in it. He got what he paid for. He was probably looking for a Good Deal, saw an opportunity to buy you a Huge Diamond for a Great Price and went for it. Granted, some guys don't know they bought Bad Quality, but, some guys don't want to learn either. Not cool!
What you have to decide is: What are you going to do about it?
Do you accept it and live with the imperfections?
Do you bring the Flaws up, slyly asking him why you can see them?
I would say yes, it's better to bring them up. Just try not to insult him or embarrass him in the process.
The good thing is, he does have options (but most are not great).
Exchange the Diamond
See if the Jewelry Store will allow you to do an even exchange for the Diamond. Since all Diamonds are different, you may be able to exchange it for another Diamond of the exact same Color and Clarity and it may look better. Compare same Qualities and you may see a difference that will keep both of you happy. This is the best option because it doesn't cost you any more money and you don't end up with a smaller Diamond.
Buy a Smaller Diamond
You could downsize. Buying a smaller Diamond will allow you to get a Better Clarity of Diamond. You may have to drop 20-25% of the Carat Weight or more, but it should put you in a higher Clarity range that looks much better with no obvious Flaws or Imperfections.
Upgrade the Diamond
Fork out more money. Buy the same Size of Diamond (same Carat Weight), just buy a higher Clarity (like SI or VS). That way she won't end up getting a smaller Diamond, just a nicer one.
Return the Diamond
I guess you could always return the Ring (depending on their Return Policy) and buy it somewhere else. But trust me, that really won't help you much.
1) She'll be ringless for a while and even more sad and blue.
2) You'll still have to buy her an Engagement Ring. You'll still have to buy her either a smaller Diamond or a higher Clarity (more money). The choices are the same no matter where you go. None of these options are really great options. But, She does have to wear this ring for the rest of her life, so you better get her something she'll be happy with.
Talk to Him
Talking to him is the fist step! I say do it now, don't wait. Return or Exchange Policies don't last long. Just mention to him that you can see Dark Flaws in the stone. You may also mention that they take away from the Beauty of the Diamond. Do it nicely. Don't pop his ego!
This should be enough to coax him into going back to the Jewelry Store (let him go by himself) and find out what it all means. Doing it this way, puts all the burden on him. He'll take the ring in and find out that he bought a low Clarity Diamond (if he didn't already know).
It will then be up to him to decide whether to exchange it, get a smaller Diamond or spend more money and get you a better Clarity.
He could also just keep the ring and you'll have to wear it... So cross your fingers this doesn't happen. But who knows, you may be able to talk him into an upgrade later, like on your 5th Anniversary? It doesn't hurt to try.
Some women even upgrade the Diamond themselves. Really! Some won't even tell the guys they're doing it (doesn't hurt his feelings). They just get a better Quality and are happy about it. Problem solved.
It's all up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
I have seen some women just hand the ring back as well and say "It won't do!" I wouldn't recommend this approach, but if the shoe fits...
Best Advice
Learn about Quality before you buy the Diamond. Women don't want to see eye-visible Inclusions in their Engagement Ring. Women have to show this ring off to everyone... They don't want to show off Flaws!
Learn about Clarity (and all the 4 C's). Study the Grading Charts. Shop and Compare Diamonds and Jewelers. Don't buy based upon price alone!
More than anything, buy SI1 Clarity or higher (also buy Laser Inscribed Certified Diamonds - You'll love them). With SI1 Clarity, you'll never run into these uncomfortable type of situations. It doesn't make anyone feel good. SI1 Clarity or higher is a great looking Clarity with NO visible Inclusions in them. This Clarity will keep your Girlfriend happy for a lifetime (which also keeps you happy).
It all comes down to Quality. If you buy Good Quality first, you'll never regret it later.
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