TK Jewellery

Buying diamonds can be a confusing and frustrating experience. It seems that price, quality and information varies at every turn. But relax, it's not as difficult as it seems.

There are three popular ways to buy diamonds and diamond jewellery.

1. Retail stores:

Retail stores have purchased their stock so it is important to them that they sell what they have. This can mean you will pay a lower price, but it also means you will be guided to buying what they have rather than what you may want. Expensive lighting is designed specifically to enhance the look of the diamonds in the store, and often sales staff are not adequately trained. If you are planning to buy from a retail store (especially large chain stores) be sure you understand any certification that is supplied with your purchase, ensure it is from an independant and reputable source and check all the details.

Most of the jewellery in retail stores is mass-produced, often overseas, which means the quality is not at the highest level. Claws will wear down quickly, bands (the back of the finger) are much thinner and will wear and settings are more prone to damage which can lead to the loss of the diamond. Also, you are more likely to see the same ring on someone else.

2. Online:

Online buying is gaining popularity and inventory lists are available from many dealers online. It appears simple: run through a list of details, check prices and order. However, there are many hidden challenges with this type of buying.

Firstly, often the diamonds on these lists are not  actually in the posession of the dealer, they are just copies of their suppliers inventory lists. This means that, should you make any specific enquiry about a particular stone, it is impossible for them to give accurate information as they are not able to personally view the diamond.

Another problem with online buying is information....or rather, MISinformation. It may appear that all the certifcation details are available, but does all that information really mean anything? Too often I have seen diamonds on such sites labelled "ideal" when the certification shows the cut grading to be less than perfect. What most of these sites intentionally do is provide too much information. When the buyer, perhaps unfamiliar with most of the technical details, sees rows of figures and technical terms, the one thing that will stand out is that word - 'ideal'. The unsuspecting buyer assumes that, although they don't really understand them, the clearly disclosed details on the certification protect them from any misrepresentation and this is simply not the case.

Online sellers will almost always offer a money back guarantee. Check the fine print!! Often there are costs involved, sometimes this can be up to 20% of the purchase price. There's also postage and insurance rates and the time frame may not allow you to have the stone professionally appraised before the guarantee runs out.

If jewellery is available from these sellers, it is most likely mass-produced. These 'off-the-shelf' settings are made in standard sizes meaning that in most cases when you take it to a jeweller to have the diamond set, you will find the setting needs to be modified to safely accomodate the diamond, which obviously adds to the cost.

3. Jeweller or Diamond Broker

This is the most secure and stress-free way to purchase a diamond and, of course, the approach I take. A jeweller or diamond broker, such as myself, will act on your behalf by only sourcing stones that specifically meet your requirements. Through personal consultation it will be determined what is important to you in a diamond. For some people this may be the biggest stone for the budget, for others a particular colour and for some a combination of the two. A range of diamonds are sourced from various importers and suppliers and available for you to view. This way, you can actually see the diamond, compare it to others and view it with the certification. You also have the ablilty to ask questions and clarify any details of the certification you may not fully understand. If you are dealing with  jeweller such as myself, you can also discuss design options at the same time. I will then completely handcraft a ring for you that will last a lifetime. Not only do you have an enjoyable and satisfying diamond buying experience, you also build a personal relationship with your jeweller so any future purchases will be stress free as well.  

Diamond grading and Certification is very detailed and complicated. If you are truly concerned with the quality and technical details of a diamond, as well as getting true value for money and peace of mind, it is important you speak with a qualified professional in person who can explain the entire process and source a diamond just for you.

If you would like me to assist with your diamond purchase please call.

Consultation is free of charge and by appointment only.