How to be sure it''s a real diamond?

[Yogachick]

Hello - I am in the market for a diamond engagement ring & matching band, and I want to know how to be certain the diamond(s) are real & really the quality depicted on the GIA certificate. (I am only considering GIA certified for the primary diamond.)

I ask because I have heard of jewelers swapping out the diamond purchased for lower quality, even CZ, in it''s place when they put it in the setting. Also, how to be sure the setting truly has diamonds of the quality professed.
Maybe I am just being paranoid, but would like to get others'' perspective on this topic.

I do not have a jeweler that I know to do the work & thus am exploring multiple jewelers, including online.......

Any feedback r suggestions would be much appreciated!

Happy New Year to all

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/5/2009 12:52:31 PM
Author:Yogachick
Hello - I am in the market for a diamond engagement ring & matching band, and I want to know how to be certain the diamond(s) are real & really the quality depicted on the GIA certificate. (I am only considering GIA certified for the primary diamond.)

I ask because I have heard of jewelers swapping out the diamond purchased for lower quality, even CZ, in it's place when they put it in the setting. Also, how to be sure the setting truly has diamonds of the quality professed.
Maybe I am just being paranoid, but would like to get others' perspective on this topic.

I do not have a jeweler that I know to do the work & thus am exploring multiple jewelers, including online.......

Any feedback r suggestions would be much appreciated!

Happy New Year to all

Hi YogaChick,

Firstly this is extremely rare and a criminal offence, most jewellers work very hard to acquire and keep a good reputation so you should be fine. Having said that it is often a good idea to get an independant appraiser ( one who does not sell jewellery) to verify that the diamond and the report match etc, and to give you an unbiased opinion of your purchase. Here is a tool you can use to find an appraiser in your area.

http://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

Also you can buy a 10X loupe and get to know your diamond yourself so you can identify it should you ever need to leave it for maintenance. Also a jeweller will ideally go through the diamond with you prior to acceptance and make a note of any indentifying characteristics. Just for your information too, if you are wanting a round diamond you could look at AGS graded too as along with GIA, AGS is considered to be a top tier laboratory.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Buy from reputable vendor and/or get an independent appraisal--you''ll be fine.

If you need vendor/appraiser recommendations please feel free to ask here.

Good luck!

 

[T L]

I think a GIA report should be required for any stone of great value. Even though there are many fine and reputable dealers, don''t forget about diamond treatments used to enhance clarity as well. Therefore, it''s not just CZ''s you have to worry about in this market. I also would not take a diamond with an IGI cert, they''re too generous on grading.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/5/2009 2:33:21 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
I think a GIA report should be required for any stone of great value. Even though there are many fine and reputable dealers, don't forget about diamond treatments used to enhance clarity as well. Therefore, it's not just CZ's you have to worry about in this market. I also would not take a diamond with an IGI cert, they're too generous on grading.

The OP has indicated that she will be shopping for stones with an accompanying GIA lab report. Reputable vendors generally sell stones with reports in tow.

Buying from a trusted vendor should alleviate any concerns about "clarity enhanced" stones, as they generally don't deal in them.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/5/2009 3:06:47 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 1/5/2009 2:33:21 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
I think a GIA report should be required for any stone of great value. Even though there are many fine and reputable dealers, don''t forget about diamond treatments used to enhance clarity as well. Therefore, it''s not just CZ''s you have to worry about in this market. I also would not take a diamond with an IGI cert, they''re too generous on grading.

The OP has indicated that she will be shopping for stones with an accompanying GIA lab report. Reputable vendors generally sell stones with reports in tow.

Buying from a trusted vendor should alleviate any concerns about ''clarity enhanced'' stones, as they generally don''t deal in them.

Ditto

 

[Upgradable]

Also, it''s a good idea the check the Better Business Bureau for possible complaints on a vendor before buying.

 

[T L]

Before you do go to a vendor, you should ask about that vendor on PS as well. Perhaps people could share their opinion of them.

 

[Yogachick]

Thank you all for this very helpful information. I''m now considering purchasing the diamond separate from the setting & having that appraised before it''s set. I''m going to also ask for reputable jewelers in the bay area, CA.