5 Basic Tips

On a half-carat or greater diamond, especially for a center stone, buy only diamonds that have an independent laboratory report. Appraisals are not the same and will not replace an independent report. At the same time do not expect the report to tell you all you need to know about the diamond. Laboratory reports from GIA and AGS are a big step in buying right only if you understand everything the report is documenting. There is more revealed there than color and clarity.

Do not buy from someone who knows less than you do. If you are wise enough to educate yourself, you should expect education from the seller. Prices on diamonds are fairly universal but they are based on dozens of aspects. If sellers are buying for price without knowing why it's priced that way they probably bought wrong. Don't buy their mistakes!

During your search for your diamond, use your time to get a better sense of what trade-offs you are likely to be choosing among. Understand that there are counterpoints to every decision. Size or grade aren't the only choices. Beauty, durability and rarity are others.

Know what a fine cut is for the shape you are buying. One of the things customers of mine find surprising is how difficult it is to get really fine proportions in cuts other than round. In cuts where there is no "Ideal", stones are usually cut to save material. If you are lucky enough to find a diamond in a marquise, oval or cushion shape with very good proportions, polish, and symmetry, you'll see what one in a few thousand looks like.

Give yourself a chance to look at your choices next to each other. There may be one you just can't take your eye off. That is the diamond that will win your heart.

Our How to buy a Diamond Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpgSArzk8hQ