What better way to celebrate the love for your significant other than by giving heart shaped jewelry and diamonds this Valentine’s Day? As the world’s foremost expert in gems and jewelry, GIA offers a few tips and best practices before you set foot in your neighborhood jewelry store.

The unique beauty and appeal of fancy cut diamonds make them the perfect choice for gifts of the season. Shoppers now have a wide array of choices, so there is something for every taste. In this installment of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series, you will learn about some of the special characteristics of fancy cut diamonds before you ever step into a jewelry store.

For many, jewelry shopping can be an intimidating experience. Add crowded malls, a long list of gifts to purchase, and the desire to get ‘just the right thing,’ and it can be downright stressful. But knowing what to ask a jeweler can help make this a great shopping experience

In part 4 of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide, GIA put together the top five questions to ask a jeweler when you’re shopping for jewelry this holiday season.

The previous installment of the 2013 Holiday Buying Guide covered the basics of the 4Cs of diamond qualities. But how will you know that the diamond you’re considering buying has the qualities you’re looking for? The answer…an independent, unbiased evaluation.   

Believe it or not, 2013 is nearing its close and 2014 trend reports are already on the horizon. But with engagement season upon us (according to a survey conducted by prominent online wedding site The Knot in 2011, 32% of engagements take place in November and December), let’s review a few of the hottest 2013 engagement ring trends of 2013 for those who are considering popping the question this holiday season.

The stores have their decorations up, which means that the 2013 holiday shopping season has officially begun. To assist with a fine jewelry purchase you may be considering, GIA has put together a Holiday Buying Guide, a 7-part series dedicated to making you a more informed jewelry shopper, as well as a more relaxed one.