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DIAMONDS AND DIAMOND SWITCHING JEWELERS

HOW TO STOP JEWELERS FROM SWITCHING YOUR DIAMOND

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Jeweler Switched Your Diamond?

You always hear about jewelers switching diamonds.

It’s on the news.

It’s online.

It’s in the papers.

But is it really a cause for alarm?

Sure it is. But also know jewelers don’t switch diamonds.

Individuals do. And truth be told, only a very few people would ever attempt such a feat. So it’s those couple of unscrupulous fools that give the rest of the jewelers a bad name.

It raises such a concern that customers are afraid and nervous to leave their diamonds behind for simple things like repairs, ring sizings, retippings and even polishings.

Can you blame them?

I don’t. I mean, a jeweler could switch out your nice, beautiful, expensive diamond for a lower quality diamond that’s full of inclusions; Sure. Would you know? Not likely.

So customers get nervous leaving their goods. And then they get excited picking them back up… So excited that they don’t even look at them closely enough. They put the items on and smile all the way out the door.

And once they leave the store, it’s their word against the jeweler’s.

Right?

(Which is why you have to look closely at your items before and after you drop them off…)

Customers do have to be concerned, no doubt.

But jewelers do as well.

It really is a two-way street

Think about it… How does a jeweler know that a customer didn’t take their ring elsewhere and have their diamond switched out? How do they know that they’re not trying to trick them? Can jewelers trust all customers? Nope. Not really. Scam artists are everywhere… This switching can go both ways. Scary, eh?

So what does a consumer do?

How can you prevent yourself from becoming a victim of diamond switching? Can you ever trust a jeweler enough to leave your rings behind?

The answer is: YES!

Yes, you can trust your jeweler. Yes, you can leave your rings for repair.

And, if you want to know the honest to God’s truth, most jewelers wouldn’t attempt to steal your diamonds anyway. This is because most diamonds are either small in carat weight, or flawed (And jewelers already have tons of those diamonds).

I know there is always a risk involved with a jeweler that could switch diamonds, but everything in life is like that. There are no true guarantees. You just have to be smart, do your homework, and be prepared.

The number one way to keep from getting scammed is…

To know your diamond!

That’s it. To keep from having a jeweler switch your diamond, is by knowledge. Know your stone. Get familiar with it.

Know what quality it is. What the color, clarity, cut is…

Which also means, you’ll probably need a diamond report or an appraisal. That way you can learn what the inclusions in your diamond look like under a microscope or a 10x jeweler’s loupe, and where they are positioned.

Fingerprints:

Every diamond has inclusions that are unique in nature. They have their own individual fingerprint, just like people. These characteristics make them different than any other diamond in the World.

So you’ll need to scope your diamond and search for those flaws. Spot where the inclusions are. If you memorize where they are, and what they look like, you’ll be able to identify your diamond later. Because inclusions don’t grow or shrink. They don’t change colors or fade. Those inclusions that are in the diamond now, will look like that forever.

What’s the plot?

If you know what your inclusions look like, you’ll always be able to see them. This is true. And you can even make a drawing of these flaws… Identifying all the marks, black spots, lines, cloudy areas, pin-points… A map like this is called a diamond plot. Diamond plots lay out the inclusions in the stone like markers on a map.

But, there is a better way…

No matter how hard some people try to read inclusions and see where they’re at, they often fail.

This is because it takes practice and experience to be able to understand the scribbles and symbols. At least enough to identify them from other stones. Most people are lucky if they can spot just a couple of these flaws.

So what’s a better way?

Certification…

(Buy a GIA certified diamond HERE!)

Certified diamonds are proof of your diamond’s quality. It’s not just some jeweler telling you what that diamond is. It’s an independent appraiser accurately and expertly judging your stone for Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight.

Is this enough?

YES and NO. Just being certified isn’t always enough…

This is because a certificate could list that a diamond is a brilliant cut diamond, with SI1 clarity, and F color (great quality). But you know what? There’s hundreds and thousands of diamonds that are SI1, F… The reports all say the same thing.

So how does that particular certificate really prove that the diamond you’re looking at is really the diamond you bought?

Easy!

First off, buy a diamond with a certificate that also has a professional plot of the inclusions on it. Some certificates have these, others don’t! Buy a diamond that does have one (most GIA certified diamonds over 1.00 carat do). Those identifying flaws are the diamond’s fingerprint. Those markings are 100% proof of ID.

What’s BETTER?

Laser inscriptions!

Buying a diamond that’s also laser-inscribed is the best way.

Laser inscriptions are the best way in the World to guarantee you get your diamond back. Laser-inscribed diamonds actually have the certificate number etched into the side of the stone (see picture).

Match the numbers on the diamond up with the numbers on the report.

BINGO! THAT’S A MATCH!

The diamond girdle, the edge, that little rim that runs around the outside of your diamond, holds those little microscopic numbers and will be there forever. Those numbers should match the numbers on the certificate and there’s no way to fake those (and you can also verify those numbers with GIA’s report check HERE).

Laser-inscribed numbers are permanent and last a lifetime. They will help you identify your diamond always.

So scope your diamond:

When you take your diamond into a jeweler, scope it. Look for your set of numbers. When you get your diamond back from the jeweler, scope it again and find those numbers. You’ll then know without a doubt that it is your diamond and that your diamond wasn’t switched.

So if you want to go home happy and smiling, buy a diamond that’s certified by GIA, and has a laser-inscription.

Laser-inscribed diamonds are well worth the investment and well worth the peace of mind.

Check out these incredible GIA certified diamonds here!

Cheers! :)




Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter 10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner
Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit
Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter
10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

5 Comments on DIAMONDS AND DIAMOND SWITCHING JEWELERS

  1. Richard ~ Your advice is to buy a Certified, plotted, laser inscribed diamond from the start, or at least that’s the way I’m reading it. OK, fine. But, here’s a question for you. Can you have your diamond appraised/examined, Certified AND Laser inscribed AFTER the fact? I mean, can you send it to have done after you’ve had it for a while?

    The reason I ask, is of course rather involved, but I will explain. It’s because I took my daughter’s old engagement ring (from a relationship that didn’t make the grade years ago) to have a current appraisal done, so she could sell it. The GIA certified appraiser/jeweler took her ring and did a pretty thorough examination of her ring while I waited (I called and made an appointment beforehand) so I could leave with the ring in my hands, and he made the notations he needed to compile the final report. While he did that, I wandered around a bit, examining the case goods. When he came back with her ring, and I paid the bill for the appraisal, he noticed my diamond solitaire, and asked if I would like to have mine done at the same time. I told him I couldn’t afford to pay for two appraisals, but had been curious about the quality of the stone. He said while I was there, if I wanted him to, he could loupe it for me. I agreed, of course!

    It was one I had purchased on eBay in a small, white gold four prong Tiffany mounting which did it no favors. But the listing had included enough very clear, very close up photos looking straight through the table, and from the pavilion side, and even enlarging them, I had been unable to locate any obvious flaws. The seller didn’t have a lot of information on it, but it had an excellent price on it, and it intrigued me, so I bought it.

    I created a remount for it, using a 2.2mm narrow but thick (also 2mm) halo profile wedding band in 10kt yellow gold that I didn’t wear much, and the tulip (?) shaped, apparent 6 prong illusion head off an empty 14kt white gold ring mounting I happened to stumble across for a song on eBay that was too small for my finger, but the head was the perfect size for this .35ct stone. I had my jeweler friend put all the pieces together to create an outstanding, but simple mount for this diamond (paying for the work by scrapping out the remainder of the white gold ring!)

    It REALLY made this stone POP!! Getting it out of that low four prong set and up into the light, with the tiniest amount of bright, white, newly rhodium plated gold surrounding it really did the job. It looks at first, and even second, glance like at least a ¾ct stone. The illusion mounting isn’t conspicuous at all, and I had friends gasp when they saw it, thinking that my husband had spent a lot of money on me!

    Anyway, back to the jeweler in question. He loupes it in the store light, and twists and turns it every which way, and started making “hmm” noises the more he looked at it. Then, he walked over to his microscope on the counter, uncovered it, and turned it on! He hadn’t said a word the whole time ~ except the “hmmm” sounds he had made (and a nice complement on the choice of mounting, too!)

    He put my ring under the scope, and continued to go “hmmm” occasionally. He twisted it, turned it, turned up the magnification, readjusted the light, and finally said that he couldn’t find ANYTHING in that stone! Not a single inclusion of any kind. No clouds, no pinpoints, obviously no carbon spots, no feathers, nothing! He let me look, too. Of course, I’m not certified, but I know how to use a microscope. I didn’t see a THING either, of course! He said the color was also good, and got back out his set of Master stones. He compared in the sunlight, and in the store light on the counter and we agreed it was hanging somewhere between an F and a G. Since he didn’t do an “official appraisal” or put anything in writing, I didn’t get charged, especially since he offered to do it, but I don’t have anything to back it up, either.

    SO, I put my ring back on, which I can wear with numerous bands I have also collected on eBay over time, and went home, kind of excited! It is, after all, a pretty small stone in the Grand Scheme of Diamonds and Things, and surely not worth a huge amount of money. But it’s beautiful, and it’s mine!

    So, can a stone like this be done up “after the fact?” Is it worth the probable expense? I’m curious, not just for me, but for anyone else who might have that question floating around in their “diamond mind!”

    • Hi Shari. You absolutely can have it done after you’ve bought it. See my post here: https://www.jewelry-secrets.com/Blog/the-cost-to-certify-a-diamond/ It shows all the various Certification Companies (GIA +), and shows their costs (although they may have gone up since the post was created). It’s a start, and if you really want it done, go for it. But generally for Diamonds under .50 ct, it’s not really worth it. I would probably just have the guy do an appraisal on it, so you’ll have it for insurance purposes. :) -Richard

  2. Cyndi McBride // April 18, 2019 at 10:21 am // Reply

    This is such BS report, don’t tell me that a jewelry store can not switch diamonds. I wanted my white gold ring dipped so it would look new again. I took my two carat emerald cut ring VS1 to a local jeweler that has been in business for a long time, his sons opened their own store (where I took my ring). The girl at the counter said that it would take 2 1/2 hours for the dipping and polishing to be done. I thought I would get my shopping done in that time. I got back to the jewelry store a little early and had to wait a little longer. Now I know why it took over three hours to get my ring back. My VS1 diamonds had been replaced with some SI clouded, looks like the diamonds are fake. Three stones over .75 carat weight middle has one eye clean inclusion (needing a loupe to see very small dot), the side diamonds 1/2 carat each, with a loupe was clean and clear. I called and asked why does my ring look dirty? I was told to bring it back and they will clean it for me. When I took my ring back and I was told that cleaning cloth was stuck on the prongs from polishing, they cleaned my ring again. I said that my diamonds are not in the same position, that I could not see my settings between (gaps) the diamonds before you dipped my ring. I AM SO MAD THAT I TRUSTED THESE PEOPLE WITH MY BEAUTIFUL RING THAT WAS GIVING TO ME BY MY HUSBAND FOR OUR 30th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. He paid a lot of money for this ring. This was $25,000 ring, now It is not worth $2,500. It makes me sick. These people took advantage of me. Make sure you stay with your jewelry and watch them work on it, or the same thing can happen to you. I hope that the person that did this will be caught for stealing and sent to prison.

    • Hi Cyndi. Thank you for your comment. The best way to prevent any diamond switching, is to have it graded by GIA with a full diamond report. But after the fact, it’s almost impossible to tell what really happened. The process of dipping (re-rhodium plating) a ring is a normal process jewelers do, and it does not require any stones to be removed. The reason rhodium plating takes longer, is because the ring has to be professionally polished and cleaned before hand. All debris, dirt, and build up underneath the stones has to come out beforehand. That way the rhodium plating will take and be smooth and flawless. And often, it has to be dipped twice, because it’s done by electricity, not everything adheres equally. This being said, I cannot comment on what your diamonds were or aren’t. There’s no way for me to speculate. I don’t discredit you, but I don’t take sides either. If I knew for sure, one way or the other, I would, but I can’t do that over the net. I simply advise people to the best of my knowledge and experience. An updated diamond report or appraisal is always recommended. Especially after 30 years. Do you have previous paperwork? An appraisal? A plot? Have you taken your stone to a gemologist and had them look at it? They can also tell you if the prongs have been reworked as well (which would have to be done if any switching was done). Good luck with your findings, keep me updated on the outcome. -Richard

  3. Thanks Richard for your reply. The ring was a gift from my husband, I was not interested on how much it was worth or how much my husband paid for it. I just was looking for a new wedding band to match it, planning on renewing our wedding vows. Don’t you think that is weird that I was never asked again about the wedding band that I picked out? Why wouldn’t they want a wedding band sale? I was told that they can dipped and clean my ring for $25, I know, if it sounds to go to be true. BIG MISTAKE! We have been married for 30 years, my ring was my anniversary present from my husband. I took my ring with the paperwork that came with it and was told that’s not my ring that was sold from here. The ring that I have on my hand is not the one that I given after the cleaning. My ring is a common ring Three Stone Emerald cut beautiful diamonds that looked like blue ice F in color/all matching stones. This ring is on my hand was traded, that is a fact. I had no idea that a jeweler could trade out a ring and think that a lady would not noticed, or be so deceitful. The middle stone is the one that came with my ring, all other diamonds have been replaced. This jeweler and his son has only been in business for one year, The Grandfather has been doing business for 50 years and retired. I tried to put a BBB hit on them to warn other of their shady diamond business. I also went to the police. There is nothing I can do about it now. So I just wanted people to know I don’t care how long the place has been in business for. There are shady people everywhere and it’s a shame that people work so hard to have nice thing for others to rip them off. Believe me I have told everyone about this store. My son got engaged last Christmas he bought a beautiful ring, not from them. She knows and everyone that I know not to take jewelry there. LESSON LEARNED! They might not be able to switch the diamonds in a couple of hours, they can switch to whole ring.

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