5 Scams to Avoid

Buying diamonds can be a tricky business given the number of scams out there which seek to fool buyers. All scams can be categorized as either a major or minor scam. Major scams don’t occur with the same frequency that minor scams do. Minor scams are fairly common and they take advantage of the customer’s lack of proper knowledge.  This highlights the importance of being properly informed before buying diamonds.
 
There are certain phrases and points that you must keep your eye out for when buying diamonds.

1. If any jeweler shows you a diamond piece explaining that it’s a blue-white diamond, you should just walk out. Blue-white diamonds were previously thought to be a better diamond but that is not true. Blue-white diamonds tend to look oily or milky in sunlight and this lowers their value.
   
   
2. If the selected piece’s tag states only the carat total weight (CTW) then you should ask for the weight and quality of the center stone itself. Most tags take into account all the diamonds in the ring and do not usually list the center stone on its own. If the store cannot provide this information then you should leave.
   
   
3. Avoid any offers or advertisements where there are huge sales being offered. There are plenty of stores which advertise a diamond piece at a great price but when buyers come to purchase the piece, they are told that its already been sold. That is when they are showed another piece which is more expensive. They bait people with a fake piece and then switch that for a more expensive piece.  If you cannot get the piece you wanted at the offered price, even at another store, then you should leave.
   
   
4. When purchasing diamonds, be sure to examine the diamond in other parts of the store where there are no bright lights present. Also be sure to ask whether the diamond has fluorescence. Certain bulbs have a strong blue component which allows yellow stones to look whiter. Other bulbs with strong ultraviolet wavelengths can make many diamonds fluoresce blue.  Be sure to ask for a certificate from a well known, independent lab for verification of the grade. If the stores refuse to perform a lab test, leave the piece.
   
   
5. Avoid getting pieces where pieces are labeled as ¾ carat in weight. This implies that the diamond weight is anywhere between .69 and .81 carat which can mean a significant variation in price.  If the store cannot give you the exact weight of the center diamond stone then you should leave the store.
   

There are certain precautions that you can take in order to avoid falling into any kind of scam. Be sure to choose your jeweler with extreme care.  Also be sure to research the best price to pay for any diamond. Buyers should remember to insist on getting certificates from good gem labs. It is important for the buyers to be completely informed regarding the 4C’s of diamonds. Lastly, be sure to look into getting an independent appraisal. Being fully informed and prepared can help you stay safe when buying diamond pieces.