Step By Step Guide To Buying A Diamond

Step 1: Find The Style

Deciding the style you love will help you take the first step in the right direction. Solitaire, three stone, halo or something more contemporary, there is something for everyone. Try on various styles, what you think you like often changes once you start trying them on.

Step 2: Determine Your Budget

Now that you know what style you want, you can now narrow down your selection to rings within your budget. Make a realistic budget and stick to it. A reputable retailer will always work with you to find a diamond within your budget. If they do try to upsell you, stick to your guns and look elsewhere.

Step 3: Research the 4 C’s

Researching the fundamentals of diamonds so you know exactly what you are buying. The old saying “knowledge is power” has never been more true. Once you are aware of the 4 most popular ways to assess diamond quality, Cut, Colour, Carat and Clarity, you’ll be able to search for that perfect diamond. Learn more here.

*Remember: some jewellers bank on customers not knowing what they are buying so that they can upsell. Do NOT skip this step!

Step 4: Find a Reputable Jeweller

Choose your jeweller carefully, ask friends and family for recommendations, also check out customer reviews online. Beware of marketing ploys and discounts! Everyone loves to save money and most retailers are constantly running some sort of special offer or giveaway. Believe it or not, one very famous Irish jeweller offers a 20% discount to all teachers, nurses and members of the Gardaí. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you are getting a bargain, it is very easy for any retailer to add the money on so that he can turn around and knock it off again.

A reputable jeweller, both online and bricks & mortar, will encourage you to shop around, ask questions and compare diamonds among the competition.

Step 5: Look for Certifications

Look at the certification for the diamond you are interested in. Diamonds are certified by independent laboratories; GIA, HRD, IGI, etc. Some retailers offer “their own” diamond grading report, NEVER accept this as a true reflection of a diamonds quality or value, request an independent evaluation from a trusted laboratory.

*Remember: GIA is the industry leader and is a non-profit grading laboratory - we recommend sticking with GIA.

Step 6: Ask Questions

As stated above, a legitimate retailer will help you find a stone that is under your budget. They will not attempt to upsell or make you feel uncomfortable in any way. Make sure to ask questions, not just the obvious ones regarding the Cut, Colour, Carat and Clarity, also ask about Fluorescence, the dimensions of the stone, these can also affect the price of the diamond. If they cannot answer these questions directly and concisely, look elsewhere. Learn more here.

*Remember: Give consideration to the wedding ring you will wear next to the engagement ring and try both on together, then you will know how the finished combination will look.

Step 7: Make the Purchase!

You did your research, you chose the style, you found a reputable jeweller and you stuck to your budget. Congratulations, you are ready to make your engagement ring purchase with confidence!

*Remember: Insurance will protect your investment in case your diamond gets lost, stolen, or damaged. Ask your jeweller for an Insurance Valuation then speak to your home insurance provider, it can usually be listed as a specified item on your home insurance policy at a small fee.

Download Your Free Step By Step Diamond Guide To Buying A Diamond Here.