Must-Dos when viewing diamonds

[iheartbora]

After spending much of my spare time on PS for the past few months, I finally made an appointment to view some diamonds! I gave them my diamond preferences in advance for their preparation and now I''m trying to prep myself to be an educated buyer.

So, What are some of the questions that I MUST ASK or things I MUST DO when viewing diamonds? Also, can I ask for certificate copies of the stones I view? Or should I (can I?) take notes during the process? Ideally, I''d like to meet with a few vendors and compare the stats side by side before making my final decision (also to compare with PS vendors).

This is probably a Diamond for Dummies question, so any help is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/30/2009 9:42:36 AM
Author:iheartbora
After spending much of my spare time on PS for the past few months, I finally made an appointment to view some diamonds! I gave them my diamond preferences in advance for their preparation and now I'm trying to prep myself to be an educated buyer.

So, What are some of the questions that I MUST ASK or things I MUST DO when viewing diamonds? Also, can I ask for certificate copies of the stones I view? Or should I (can I?) take notes during the process? Ideally, I'd like to meet with a few vendors and compare the stats side by side before making my final decision (also to compare with PS vendors).

This is probably a Diamond for Dummies question, so any help is greatly appreciated!!!

You want to know the usual things, carat, colour, clarity and what type of inclusions set the grade, lab report and cut grade. Check the girdles, a very thin part will warrant careful checking. Ask if the diamonds have any fluorescence and if so what colour and strength. If so and a diamond has strong blue for example, ask if it has a negative effect such as making the diamond look cloudy, this is rare but best to check.

Ask the seller if they have an ASET and Idealscope, Diamond Dock etc and if you can view the diamonds through those. Ask if they have a Sarin report on the diamonds or can do one on your selections in order to get detailed measurements of the diamonds. See if you can view the diamonds through a loupe.

Definitely take notes, some sellers might let you have a copy of the report. Check on return policies and if the seller is ok with you getting an independant appraisal on the diamond should you so wish.

If the sellers insurance permits, ask if you can view the diamonds away from any store or bright room lighting so you can get an idea of how the diamond will look when being worn.

Above all use your eyes and compare as many as you can to see which ones ' speak' to you most!

And also have fun!

 

[iheartbora]

Date: 4/30/2009 9:58:20 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/30/2009 9:42:36 AM

You want to know the usual things, carat, colour, clarity and what type of inclusions set the grade, lab report and cut grade. Check the girdles, a very thin part will warrant careful checking. Ask if the diamonds have any fluorescence and if so what colour and strength. If so and a diamond has strong blue for example, ask if it has a negative effect such as making the diamond look cloudy, this is rare but best to check.


Ask the seller if they have an ASET and Idealscope, Diamond Dock etc and if you can view the diamonds through those. Ask if they have a Sarin report on the diamonds or can do one on your selections in order to get detailed measurements of the diamonds. See if you can view the diamonds through a loupe.


Definitely take notes, some sellers might let you have a copy of the report. Check on return policies and if the seller is ok with you getting an independant appraisal on the diamond should you so wish.


If the sellers insurance permits, ask if you can view the diamonds away from any store or bright room lighting so you can get an idea of how the diamond will look when being worn.


Above all use your eyes and compare as many as you can to see which ones ' speak' to you most!


And also have fun!

Thanks for your reply Lorelei!!! I thought about most of the points you mentioned except for the Sarin report.

What additional information do I need from a Sarin report? I thought it was popular before due to the crown and pavilion angles. I'm not sure how I can use it? But in any case, doesn't hurt to ask

 

[Lorelei]

GIA round the numbers so a Sarin can provide detailed measurements of the diamond if you wish. It is nice to have but if not and you have other info particularly ASET images then thats fine.