Here is a disturbing fact that I learn from customers:
Customers DON'T shop and compare Diamonds.
I find this scary.
Most people say that they buy their diamonds from the Jewelry Store they normally shop at. Some say they buy it from the first Jeweler they go to. - Gasp - Others took their friends and family's advice on where to shop.
Only half of the people I speak with actually say that they shop and compare. WOW! This stuns me. This means that 50% of the people buying a diamond might be overpaying, or even worse, getting ripped off!
You can't disregard Shopping and Comparing. It's something you HAVE to do, and you have to learn how to do it right.
Compare Apples to Apples
If you're looking at an SI1 Clarity, G Colored Diamond at one store, you MUST look at an SI1, G at the next store. This is the only way to truly know who is giving you the better deal. Comparing an SI1, G to a I2, F will not tell you anything.
Go all around the city. Visit every Jeweler you can. Compare similar Qualities. It really is an eye-opener!
Compare Certified Diamonds
If the Diamond you're looking at is NOT Certified, then the Quality could be anything. What the Jeweler says it is, is what you'll be getting. It may not be the Color and Clarity stated. It could be Grade Bumped!
Buying Certified, puts the Quality of the Diamond in writing. It keeps the Jewelry Store honest. You MUST buy Certified Diamonds.
Take Notes
Trying to remember 20 different Diamonds, Quality, Sizes and Prices is never going to happen. You'll end up confused "Was it an SI1 or an I1?" Wrong answer... Try again!
Write everything down. Don't leave this up to the Salesperson, because usually they will just jot down a couple of things on a business card. That's not enough info. You need to write everything down. List the Jeweler, Diamonds, Sizes, Certification, Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and above all else, list the bottom line price. That way, at a quick glance, you'll be able to compare Diamond Qualities and Prices.
Microscope the Diamond
Even if the Diamond is Certified, even if they give you all the details about the Diamond, do NOT take it for granted. Look at the Diamond under a 10x Microscope to really see what's inside the stone.
Viewing Flaws and Inclusions will show you if the Diamond Plot is accurate, and if the Clarity is accurate. Shop smart. View the stone. It will verify the Diamond Report, and it also gives you peace of mind.
Compare Guarantees
Extras count. If one store has a 90 day money back Guarantee, it could make a big difference (Some stores offer NO return policy).
If one Jeweler offers a Lifetime Trade-Up Policy, or an Even-Exchange Policy, it could make things easier in the future.
Do the Jewelers Guarantee the Diamond? If so, what happens if you move? What happens if you lose the Diamond or Chip it? Do they offer a Service Plan that covers the Mounting?
Sometimes a Diamond may cost a little bit more at one Jewelry Store (Certified Diamonds usually do), but when you look at the big picture, it may be a better choice.
Retail Price means nothing!
Lastly, don't be worried about the retail price. The manufacturer's listed price doesn't mean squat. Really! What matters the most is the bottom line price. How much are you paying? What's it actually going to cost you? That's the amount you need to focus on.
Any Jeweler can hike up the retail price to make it look like a great discount and a great deal. Anybody can double the value so a Jewelry Appraisal looks good. Don't be fooled by it. Look at the final figure only. How much are you going to pay? That's what you need to know.
Once you find that price out, once you check your notes and compare, once you view the Diamond under a scope and verify that the Diamond is in fact the Quality stated...
Only then will you know that shopping and comparing really does work. It pays off. It helps get you a great Diamond and a Great Price.
Guaranteed!
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Copyright © 03-15-2010 Jewelry-Secrets.com
