What Are Certified Diamonds

Purchasing a diamond is expensive. You have many choices when you select a diamond; color, cut, clarity, size, and mounting the diamond as a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings. The pink diamond, for example, is extremely rare and sells for one million USD per carat. It's likely that you will never see a pink diamond, except in photos. The blue diamond is also very rare and expensive. White diamonds are not nearly as expensive, but are still a serious investment. When buying a diamond, it's essential that you choose a certified diamond.

Most large cities have a "diamond district." You should always shop around to make sure you're buying the best diamond that catches your eye and that you can afford. In diamond districts, as in all merchants, there are jewelers who take pride in their diamonds' quality. Unfortunately, there are also a few dishonest sellers who entice you to buy what they know to be of poor quality. This is one of the reasons why you should buy only a certified diamond.

Additional Reasons for Buying a Certified Diamond.

First, you need to know if what you are buying really is a diamond. Dishonest jewelers and street venders want to sell you what appears to be a beautiful sparkling diamond, but is actually cut glass or crystal. With a certified diamond, a gemologist will already have examined the stone to make sure it is an authentic diamond, and that the quality of the diamond is high. These vendors are there one day and gone the next, before the buyer finds out that he or she has been cheated.

Many people insure their diamonds in case they are lost or stolen. Some insurance companies will not insure the stone unless it is a certified diamond. Often they will ask for a copy of the certification that describes the diamond's carat weight, color, flaws (if any) and the cost of the diamond. Insurance companies are not simply going to take your word; a certified diamond proves the stone's monetary value.

When you buy a diamond, be sure to obtain its certification. Honest jewelers and gemologists will automatically give you the document that certifies the diamond. If your request for the certificate and are met with excuses like "we will mail it to you this week" be very suspicious; a certified diamond is always accompanied by a certification statement that should be present in the jewel's store. If it is not, this signifies a problem; you may not be purchasing what you think you are. If the jeweler cannot produce a document that states you are buying a certified diamond, it's best to take your business elsewhere.