There is a misconception out there, that you should only
shop at a Jeweler that's Certified! Where this began, I don't know. What do people actually mean when they say "
Certified Jeweler"? I don't know that either. The idea is vague and abstruse. (Does this mean the Jeweler has a Badge?
A Plaque on the wall? A special kind of Hat?) Who knows?
So here's my educated guess... When people wonder if their Jeweler is Certified or not, what they actually mean is this: "Is your Jeweler a Pro at Diamonds?" Are they trust worthy? Are they a Certified Diamontologist? (Expert in Diamonds!) Or... (What I really believe it means) "Is your Jeweler G.I.A. Certified?" (Diamond Expert Certified by the Gemological Institute of America!)
I have a hunch it's the G.I.A. that most people are referring to. Being G.I.A. Certified is where this concept all began. So let's take a look at Jewelers, Diamond Certification, and what it all boils down to!
First off, Jewelers don't need to be Certified! They don't need any Certification to become Jewelers. Not even any Certification to sell Diamonds. None! There are no rules or regulations that say a Jeweler needs to be a Diamond expert in order to sell them and run a Jewelry Store. Heck, Mom and Pop Jewelry Stores have been selling Diamonds for Centuries and have never been Certified! (Certifiable maybe, but Certified, No!)
Fact is, you don't need to have any qualifications to sell Diamonds. You don't need to be an expert. (Although it helps!) You don't even need to know about Diamonds! (Really?) You need no Certification to carry Certified Diamonds... Nothing!
If you're thinking that "Certified Jewelers" offer you better deals on Diamonds, you'd be wrong. Being Certified might give Jewelers an extra edge. They may be able to discuss technical terms and detailed information better, but trust me, you won't get any better Diamonds Deals from them. No Cheaper Diamonds! No Deeper Discounts. Nada! It won't lower the price in the least.
Also keep in mind, even if a Jeweler WAS Diamond Certified, that doesn't mean that all the Diamonds they sell are Certified! Because when we're talking about Certified, the only Certificate that truly matters is the Diamond Certificate. Not the Certificate a Jeweler gets!
So why aren't most Jewelers Certified? Because Jewelers get into the Jewelry industry for the love of Jewelry. They have a passion for Jewelry and Gems. Most Jewelers are Creative and Artistic, and love Custom Designing Rings and Mountings. (Or the Store is handed down from Generation to Generation!) Most Jewelers love Gemstones and adore Diamonds. Education is a choice. If they want to learn more about Diamonds and become experts in the field, that's a huge bonus! After all, most customers feel more comfortable buying from knowledgeable Jewelers than ignorant ones.
So what can a Certified Jeweler give you? And what really matters? Read on...
