What Do You Need To Know About Buying Diamonds On The Internet?

Buying diamonds on the Internet is, in one way, not very different from any other major on line purchase. But there are some key elements that make buying diamonds on the Internet somewhat unique.

First, few people are really experts at buying diamonds, and diamonds, like art, wine and other esoteric products, requires a lot of knowledge to insure a good purchase.

Second, real diamonds are not manufactured. They are mined from natural deposits, impurities and all. Even though the jeweler will try to cut the rough stone into a perfect gem, the results are limited by what you started with.


Third, there are a lot of fakes out there. Diamonds may look complex, but they are just a chunk of crystallized carbon. Other substances, both naturally occurring and man made, bear a striking resemblance to a true diamond and are often sold in their place. Synthetic diamonds, made from the same elements as the genuine article, can be nearly impossible to detect.

So what can you do when buying diamonds on the Internet to insure a good purchase.

First, as with all purchases, on line and in the real world, only deal with reputable vendors, companies with a track record of fair dealing and reliable service. Don't buy a major stone when purchasing from a dealer for the first time. Try a few smaller items and get a feel for the organization. Even if your purchase has a good return guarantee, the money is still tied up in an unknown quantity.


Second, insist on certified diamonds. GIA – the Gemological Institute of America, is a laboratory that specializes in rating and certifying gems, particularly diamonds. Stones with the GIA certificate can be relied upon to exhibit the qualities represented by the vendor.
Whenever possible, select stones that are micro engraved with a number cited on the GIA certificate. That will help insure that the stone was not switched somewhere along the line.