Best way to KNOW you are buying a diamond

[bravos95]

I''m going through the arduous process of purchasing an engagement ring and baffled at how there is no exact standard in determining whether a diamond is real, let alone the value given it''s grades in the 4 C''s.

I''ve seen some shops that have "certifications" from one specific lab. I''m told that there is a master list of trusted labs and I should cross reference with that.

I''ve seen some shops that don''t have ANYTHING so i''m assuming i''d have to get it appraised ($300-$800 ?) and if it isn''t appraised to the value paid for, return it. This is somewhat risky since you lose the appraisal cost plus you have to be wary about colluding companies.

I''ve seen some shops that have certifications that compromise of 3 or more labs that all agree on the grading report. I''d assume this is the best route to take? Unless there are better options? I''d like to minimize cost and maximize confidence that I am indeed purchasing a diamond with an accurate value relative to it''s grading report.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Dancing Fire]

look for GIA or AGS lab graded stones.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 7/8/2008 1:20:22 AM
Author: Dancing Fire
look for GIA or AGS lab graded stones.

Ditto. Good luck.

 

[bravos95]

what does "mind clean" mean?

 

[dockman3]

Hi there and welcome to PS! To try to answer some of your questions:

"mind clean" is the idea that in your own mind, you got the best stone you can get and you are happy with it. Its a play off of what we call "eye clean", meaning that the stone is clean to your eye and you can''t see any inclusions.

As for grading, as DF and Kaleigh have said, go with a certification from either the GIA or AGS. Both are respected labs and you can''t go wrong with them. You will be assured it is a diamond.

As for pricing from the 4 c''s, there is no standard partially because there is no uniform grading system. AGS and GIA are the "strictest" of the labs and GIA invented the color scaling, so they are the best to get color from. The only diamond shape that''s graded in terms of cut is a round brilliant cut, with the exception of AGS, who grades princess cuts as well. Even then, AGS is seen to be stricter in terms of cut grading than GIA is, so you need to look closer at some of the individual measurements of each stone. Don''t expect to find a set of guidelines for what a certain stone should cost because most likely we will say somewhere within a few hundred dollar price range for stones with nominally the same specs.

An independent appraisal is a great idea, even if you know you''ve bought a true diamond, but they only cost ~$75-100. I personally just got one done for $85 and it was worth every penny of it.

If you are ok with purchasing your diamond online, then I would suggest using one of the PS vendors here. If you want, post your specs and budget and we can help you find a great diamond that fits your budget. In the meantime, if you don''t have any idea about color or clarity, I would look at the tutorials here on this site and then go to a local jewelery store to look at some diamonds in person. You need to get a feel for these color differences and see what grades you are sensitive too.

I hope all of this helps and feel free to come back with any questions you have. We''ll be more than happy to answer! Good luck with your search!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/8/2008 1:28:23 AM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 7/8/2008 1:20:22 AM
Author: Dancing Fire
look for GIA or AGS lab graded stones.

Ditto. Good luck.

Thritto, although if you ran into an HRD, it might be worth consideration also.

 

[Allison D.]

I think your estimate for an appraisal is quite inflated unless you''re shopping in the 3+ carat range.

A decent appraisal on an average-sized stone (1-1.5 ct.) runs around the $150 or so mark, give or take $50 depending on how extensive the information provided.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

Besides knowing which are the best grading labs to trust, it is wise to keep looking at diamonds (in person) in various qualities. Look at the diamonds offered at chain stores such as Zales and Kays. Then go to a high-end store and see what their diamonds look like. You''ll see with your own eyes what the difference is between the grades of color, clarity, and cut, as well as what the actual sizes and different shapes look like. Get to know what it is that you are most attracted to. And remember, your own eyes are a better judge than any report on a piece of paper, of a stone''s beauty, life, and character.