I don’t care what anyone tells you, buying an engagement ring is no easy task. In addition to making sure that your significant other will like it, you also have to deal with things such as budget and quality of the diamond, among other things. This can be really difficult for someone who never went diamond shopping before. If this sounds like you, I’m pretty sure you have tons of questions about the buying process. Here is the most commonly asked questions first-time buyers ask about buying diamonds.
Should I buy the Diamond and Setting Separately or get the Setting done by the Retailer?
This is a common question. While getting the setting done at a separate location has its perks, it’s generally recommended that you get the setting and the diamond at the same place.
The reason for this is simple. If something goes wrong with the piece, you’ll know exactly who is to blame. Also, you won’t have to go through the hassle of finding a setter you can trust with your diamond.
How Noticeable are Carat Differences?
This is also a very common question among first buyers. Carat differences can be subjective and really depend on the buyer. However, small differences in carats are more noticeable on smaller pieces since they account for a larger percentage of the gem’s total size. But on larger pieces, a difference of a tenth of a carat is hardly noticeable.
How do I know if the Deal I’ve gotten from a Jeweler is Good?
The only way to know if the deal you’ve gotten is good is to compare it with other retailers. The good news is that there are tons of diamond retailers online you can compare your gem with. Make sure that you take into consideration the number of carats, color, clarity and cut of the diamond before you start comparing.
Is it a Good Idea to Buy Online?
It really depends. When buying online, it’s always better to go for a retailer that has both an online and offline store, such as www.ascotdiamonds.com. This way, you’ll be able to see the piece with your own eyes if need be. However, most online retailers have return policies in place if you aren’t satisfied with the piece. Also, make sure you go with a retailer that has safe payment options, such as escrow for instance.
Should I get the Piece Appraised after I Buy it?
If you bought the piece from a trustworthy vendor and you have a certificate for it, this is usually unnecessary. However, if you have the intention of having the piece insured, this will usually be a requirement. This is the only case where I would recommend hiring the services of an appraiser.
Buying an engagement ring isn’t difficult when you know how to go about it. Before you start shopping, make sure you know how to judge the quality of a diamond first, as it is the best way to not get taken advantage of. Also make sure that you only buy from a reputable jeweler with a long and verifiable track record.
