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For many who are considering such a purchase, obtaining a diamond for an engagement or another special event will be one of the most significant financial decisions you make in a given year or period of years. This means it’s vital to perform the search optimally and avoid common mistakes, of which there are unfortunately a few given the popularity of diamonds throughout the jewelry world.
At Payne Anthony Creative Jewelers, we’ve been providing diamond rings, necklaces and other jewelry formats for nearly 50 years. We’ve helped every kind of potential customer find the perfect diamond for their needs, and we’ve also seen every variety of mistake or misconception out there. With this in mind, let’s go over a few pitfalls to avoid as you’re considering your next diamond purchase.
For starters, one of the single simplest indicators of high diamond quality is a certification from the Gemological Institute of America, or the GIA. This is a near-century-old group that serves as the industry-wide benchmark for quality.
Generally speaking, the GIA grades all of the “four Cs” of diamonds: Cut, clarity, carat and color. It does so more accurately than any other large body. If the diamond you obtain is not certified by the GIA, you risk a lesser product – having such a certification, on the other hand, allows you to be confident in the quality of the stone you’re purchasing.
Among all the misconceptions out there about diamonds, particularly when they’re being used as engagement rings, the one regarding spending three months’ salary has to be the silliest. We’re not sure where this particular myth came from, whether through television or just word-of-mouth, but it’s simply not true for most people.
Rather than boxing yourself into a specific money or percentage range, buying a diamond is about setting a reasonable budget for yourself within the scope of your overall finances. No one, including a potential spouse or proposal recipient, will think any less of you for not sacrificing such a gargantuan amount of salary.
Many buyers are interested first and foremost in colorless diamonds, which are generally some of the most valuable on the market. But it’s important to remember that there are other good options, including fluorescent diamonds and various colors – these can often cost a bit less while still providing incredible beauty to the wearer.
Finally, while the four Cs we mentioned earlier are very important for any diamond you purchase, it’s vital to remember that other factors matter as well. Too much obsession with them may cause you to ignore GIA certification or certain aesthetics or personal preferences.
For more on mistakes to avoid when purchasing diamonds, or for information on any of our jewelry options, speak to the staff at Payne Anthony Creative Jewelers today.
