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Diamond Buying 101

How to Buy a Diamond

Choosing a diamond is a very personal decision. While not everyone will share the same opinion, most people will get more enjoyment from a high-quality diamond than from a low quality one, regardless of size.

What quality diamond should you buy? Both diamond buying guides and gemologists will tell you that beautiful diamonds can fit almost all budgets. Diamond grades are based mostly on rarity factors – the more exceptional the diamond, the higher the price. The precise criteria for how to buy a diamond is done by evaluating the quality of a diamond is commonly known as The Four Cs – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Contact an AGS-certified jeweler near you with any diamond buying questions you have:

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 a Diamond

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Shop with an American Gem Society Jeweler