Impossible Diamond Buying Questions

Fri, 09/13/2013 - 11:13

Customers in the process of buying a loose diamond often ask impossible questions such as "What is more important, color or clarity?" and "What is better, an H VS1 diamond, or a G VS2?" These questions are impossible to answer correctly because they are based on a false assumption.

What Are Rapaport Prices, How Should I Use Them?

Thu, 08/29/2013 - 10:41

A common question from customers wishing to buy a loose diamond is something along the lines of "Are your prices above Rapaport?", or "What discount to you give compared to Rapaport prices?". These types of questions reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of the Rapaport price list, and how it is actually used in the diamond industry.

Does An Inscription Make A Diamond More Secure?

Fri, 08/02/2013 - 05:50

In the last several years, laser inscriptions on a diamond's girdle have become a popular security enhancement. The assumption is that the presence of an inscription makes a set or GIA loose diamond more difficult to steal or switch. But how effective are they?

What is more important, diamond clarity or color?

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 09:26

When buying a loose diamond, what is more important, color or clarity? This is a very common question asked by purchasers, most often in the form of a trade off (e.g. "Which is better; a diamond with H color and VS2 clarity, or a diamond with G color and SI1 clarity?"). However, the question itself contains a false assumption that often leads purchasers to a poor final decision.

Are Diamond Photos Helpful in an Online Purchase?

Thu, 07/11/2013 - 12:06

Purchasing a loose diamond or diamond jewelry online often leads to anxiety for the customer. The combination of high value, lack of product knowledge, and infrequency of this type of purchase can lead a purchaser to fear a less than satisfactory result. Recently, diamond photos have become a popular method of reducing that anxiety. But do they actually benefit the purchaser?

Engagement Diamonds - Just the Facts

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 12:31

One of the most common questions asked when purchasing a diamond is "What do people usually choose for (color/clarity/size/budget, etc)?" Even though none of us consider ourselves "typical", we always want to know where we fall on the spectrum of choices. Lumera has the answer.

Importance of Diameter In Buying Loose Diamonds

Thu, 03/28/2013 - 09:34

When buying a loose diamond, carat weight has a position of preeminence, not just as one of the classic "4 C's", but also as a primary determinant of price. This is true in spite of the fact that a diamond's diameter is a far more accurate determinant of apparent size.

Does the Certification Date Matter for GIA Diamonds?

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 09:36

Often, a purchaser of GIA Certified loose diamonds will not notice that the certificate is dated. However, when they do, they often make the assumption that newer is better, and that an older date is an indication of a "used" diamond. Is it?

What are Wholesale Diamonds?

Thu, 02/21/2013 - 04:11

Customers searching for a loose diamond, particularly online, will often be presented with the opportunity to purchase "wholesale". But what exactly is wholesale in the diamond industry?

The Most Common Mistake When Choosing Loose Diamond Clarity

Thu, 02/14/2013 - 05:54

With regard to the purchase of loose diamonds, clarity refers to the degree to which imperfections are present, either internally or on the surface of the stone. Buyers often pay a premium for higher clarity, believing this will improve the appearance of the diamond. However, in many cases it will have no effect at all, beyond a certain threshold.

GIA vs. EGL - What difference does it make?

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 09:33

In recent years, EGL-USA certifications have grown in popularity, especially for loose diamonds under 1 carat. The EGL certification is popular with retailers because it is less expensive than a GIA certificate and has a looser grading standard.

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