Best Places to Buy a Diamond

A diamond lasts forever, so where you purchase it is important. Here are the best places to buy a diamond that will stand the test of time.

This is another one geared toward the gentlemen, ladies, so if you are hoping for or expecting a Christmas proposal this year, you might consider leaving this open on your laptop or emailing the link to this article to your sweetie!

You have two main options if you’ve decided to buy your fiancee’s ring online: Internet jewelry stores and wholesale distributors selling loose diamonds.

Many brick-and-mortar stores have websites that allow you to buy the same rings that they sell in the actual store. The prices are roughly the same, as is the certification process, guarantees and other terms of sale, most of the time. Sometimes, however, the return policy might differ; you may have 90 days to return a diamond purchased from a building, but only 30 days if you order the diamond online. Do your due diligence in checking the terms, and make sure it’s a reputable place before purchasing.

Another option is to buy a loose diamond from a diamond wholesale company. You’ll be able to shop at your convenience because it’s all done online, and you will be able to choose the carat, cut, clarity and color that you are looking for. The diamonds from a reputable wholesaler will come with a guarantee and certificate. Depending on the company, you might be able to hire them to set your diamond, or you can do that at a local jeweler. Often, you can get a good deal on a diamond through these companies, but remember that you will have to pay extra for the band and setting, so keep that in mind while you shop.

If the idea of buying online doesn’t appeal to you, you have several options for purchasing your beloved’s engagement ring from an actual store. These run the gamut from antique or pawn shops, to discount jewelry dealers, to high-end jewelry stores. One thing that you should not consider doing is buying from someone off the street; buying from a street vendor in New York’s Diamond District, for example, is likely to get you scammed out of your money.

If you are short on money, you might be thinking about buying an engagement ring from a discount jewelry store, such as the one at Walmart. While these are real diamonds, remember what you’ve already learned about the four C’s of diamond-buying. Steeply discounted diamonds are not going to have the cut, clarity or color of those of the same size that cost more elsewhere. Also, some discount dealers sell non-certified diamonds, so you can’t be sure of what you are getting. Still, this might be an affordable option for you.

Finally, you can buy from an antique shop, pawn shop or estate sale. It should go without saying that if you are considering this type of purchase, you need to have an outside appraisal done, preferably by an independent appraiser who does not sell diamonds himself. You can get a lovely unique, vintage ring this way; just use common sense and ask for all certification paperwork, as you would do with any other jeweler.

Remember that diamonds last forever! The work you put into buying the best ring at the best price possible will prove invaluable over the coming years.