How to Buy Diamonds

What's the occasion? A birthday celebration? An important anniversary? To declare, "I love you!" Or to ask, "Will you be mine forever?" Whatever the emotion, nothing commemorates the moment quite like a diamond. However, the one emotion that has no place in the process of buying diamonds is fear.

There is no need for a diamond buying guide when you have American Gem Society as a resource!

First, Buyer Beware.
If you're like most people, you know little or nothing about how to buy a diamond. That's why the American Gem Society came into existence over 70 years ago. Thanks to these gemological pioneers, we now have precise standards for evaluating quality diamonds, commonly known as the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. The American Gem Society Diamond Grading Standards evaluate three of the four value factors — cut, color, and clarity — on its own 0–10 scale. The scales begin at 0 (zero), the highest grade, and go down to 10, the lowest. The three factors are expressed separately along with the fourth factor, the carat weight of the gemstone, for the final AGS Grade. This "science of diamonds" helps take the fear out of buying diamonds.

When buying diamonds, ask that your diamond be accompanied with a Diamond Quality® Certificate.

See the list of reputable jewelry stores in your area that offer a great selection, and best of all, no pressure purchasing :

Shop with an American Gem Society Jeweler

Why shop with an American Gem Society jeweler? That’s easy.

Because they have pledged to protect you, the consumer, they promise fair pricing and honest value on their merchandise. You know what you’re getting.

What else do they promise?

To get and stay educated. Each year they have to re-test to maintain their certification as a Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser

To have consistent business practices. What this means for you, is that if you shop there today, you can expect a similar atmosphere a year from now. American Gem Society members cannot be a fly-by-night operation. In fact, they have to be in business at least two years to apply for membership. Most American Gem Society members have been in business an average of 60 years!

To abide by Society rules. For you, this means you have an ally on the slim chance something should go wrong. You can contact us, and we will investigate the issue.

When you shop with a jeweler who is not an American Gem Society jeweler, you are shopping alone.

How to Buy Diamonds

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Shop with an American Gem Society Jeweler