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.

Feel free to bookmark this page, print it out, or pin it: just keep it handy as you walk into any jewelry store or visit an online retailer. With the right questions, you can be confident in what you’re buying.

1. What are this diamond’s 4Cs? Can I see an independent grading report?
A jeweler should be able to explain a diamond’s 4Cs in detail and produce an independent diamond grading report to support his explanation. An unbiased diamond grading report, such as the GIA Diamond Dossier®, GIA Diamond Grading Report, or GIA Diamond eReport, ensures that you will know your diamond’s quality and authenticity. For a quick summary of the 4Cs, see part 2 of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide, 4Cs Tips for Holiday Diamond Jewelry Shopping.

2. Can I see other options in my price range?
Many factors contribute to how a piece of jewelry is priced: the type of gemstone(s) used and it’s quality, the type and quality of the metal in the setting, overall design and craftsmanship, just to name a few. A jeweler should be able to provide you with a variety of choices for any given price point.

3. How do I take care of this piece?
Wearability and care are important considerations. If the piece includes gemstones other than diamond, be sure to find out where they rank on the Mohs scale, which represents gemstone hardness. Ask your jeweler to explain the metal used – some metals are more durable than others. And be sure you know whether the gemstone has been treated, since treated gemstones will require special care. Whether you’re looking for an everyday or special occasion piece, it’s important to understand the care and cleaning tips for any jewelry you purchase.

4. What are your credentials?
You’ll get the best shopping experience from a jeweler who is professionally trained and experienced. Most jewelers are proud to display their professional diplomas from internationally recognized gem and jewelry schools like GIA. In addition, they may be members of trade and business organizations, like the American Gem Society (AGS), Jewelers of America (JA), and your local Chamber of Commerce.

5. What is your return policy?
While everyone wants to give the perfect holiday gift, sometimes the piece just isn’t quite the taste of the recipient. Just in case she was hoping for something different, ask about the return policy. For a significant diamond purchase, like an engagement ring, you might want to also ask about any trade-in programs for a larger diamond down the road.

To avoid holiday crowds, many people opt for online shopping. GIA has a separate set of tips for online shopping that covers online retailers as well as auction sites.

And while GIA doesn’t specifically recommend jewelers, it does offer tools to help you find a jeweler in your area who carries GIA-graded diamonds or have GIA-trained professionals on staff.

Our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide continues next time with an in-depth look at special gemstone cuts and fancy shapes. Prepare to be wowed!

The post Holiday Buying Guide – Part 4: Asking the Right Questions for a Diamond Purchase appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

One frequent request GIA receives is, “Can you recommend a reputable jeweler?” The jewelry-buying landscape offers so many options: buying online, through retail chains, neighborhood jewelry stores, and even independent sellers. Establishing a relationship with a jeweler can seem daunting and confusing. GIA is here to help. While it can’t recommend specific jewelers or businesses, it does offer tools and tips to help you navigate your way through choices.

Why doesn’t GIA endorse specific businesses? As a nonprofit, research and educational institute GIA operates outside the realm of everyday commerce. That means that GIA doesn’t price, sell or trade in diamonds or any other gems, nor is it affiliated with any retailers, industry groups, trade associations, or lobbyists. GIA’s mission is to protect the gem buying public, and it does so by remaining completely independent and unbiased.

However, GIA has services available to help you identify potential jewelers during your diamond or gem-buying process. The Retailer Lookup tool found on the GIA website, will direct you to jewelers in your area who have opted to list that they carry GIA-graded diamonds or employ GIA-trained staff..

You can also use GIA’s global online Alumni Directory, to verify a retailer’s GIA credentials. The directory is elective, so it doesn’t list every graduate, but it can provide another check point if you want to confirm that the jeweler you’re buying from is GIA-trained.

Finally, you can use the Report Check tool to confirm that the data of a GIA report matches the information archived in GIA’s global database. A GIA grading report provides a scientific and impartial assessment of the 4Cs of diamond quality, and discloses any known treatments used to alter the stone’s appearance. You can learn more about how GIA conducts diamond grading.

This is just one of the questions most frequently submitted to us, please let us know if you have any others! We’re here to help you through your diamond or gem purchase.

The post Can You Help Me Find a Jeweler? appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

Previously we outlined four basic steps to purchasing a diamond. Today we will expand on our explanation of the 4Cs – the four factors that determine a diamond’s value.

Color

The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, and consequently, a higher value. GIA evaluates the degree of colorlessness by comparing the diamond being inspected, under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions, to masterstones of established color values. Many of these color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price. Color is assigned a grade based on the GIA D-to-Z Color Grading Scale, ranging from colorless (D) to light yellow or brown (Z).

Clarity

Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’ Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value. Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. To the naked eye, a VS₁ and an SI₂ diamond may look exactly the same, but these diamonds are quite different in terms of overall quality. This is why expert and accurate assessment of clarity is extremely important. The GIA Clarity Scale includes eleven grades ranging from Flawless to I₃.

Cut

Diamonds are highly sought after for their brilliance and intense sparkle. The quality of diamond cut is crucial to the diamond’s final beauty and value. Of the 4Cs, it is the most complex and technically difficult to assess. In assigning a cut grade for the standard round brilliant diamond, GIA evaluates seven components.

The first three consider the diamond’s overall face-up appearance: brightness, internal and external white light reflected from a diamond; fire, the scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow; and scintillation, the sparkle a diamond produces and the pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond.

The remaining four assess the diamond’s design and craftsmanship: weight ratio, the weight of the diamond relative to its diameter; girdle thickness, which affects its durability; symmetry of its facet arrangement; and quality of polish.

The GIA Cut Grading Scale for standard round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z color range provides five grades ranging from Excellent to Poor.

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. The weight of a diamond below one carat can be described by its points alone. For example, a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats could also be referred to as a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ Diamond weights greater than one carat are expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat diamond would be described as ‘one point oh eight carats.’ All else being equal, diamond price increases with carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on the other three factors within the 4Cs: clarity, color, and cut.

GIA created the 4Cs as a universal method for establishing diamond quality. The various factors that make up the diamond buying decision are personal, however, by educating yourself on the 4C of Diamond Quality, you’re bound to find the perfect diamond to fit your needs.

The post Diamond Buying Guide – Part 2 appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

First
Choose a jeweler as you would a doctor, lawyer or other trusted advisor. Your jeweler should be armed with expert training, open to questions and able to provide answers in clear, simple language. One measure of a jeweler’s knowledge is whether he or she is professionally trained. Preferably, his or her training comes from a highly-recognized and internationally accredited program, such as GIA’s Graduate Gemologist (G.G) or Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma programs. An educated jeweler will explain the 4Cs of diamond quality to you as well as be able to demonstrate the differences between apparently similar gems. They will also encourage you to compare a number of diamonds that fall in your budget.

Second
Familiarize yourself with the 4Cs of diamond quality in order to understand a diamond’s value and price.

Color − in most diamonds, the term actually refers to the absence of color. The less color in the diamond, the more desirable and valuable it is.

Clarity − measures the number, size and placement of internal ‘inclusions’ and external ‘blemishes.’

Cut − does not refer to a diamond’s shape, but to the proportion and arrangement of its facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut.

Carat − refers to a diamond’s weight. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone.

We will explore more about the 4Cs here tomorrow so you are prepared to ask important questions.

Third
Ask for a diamond grading report from an unbiased, scientific source like GIA. The differences in diamonds can be so subtle, even a trained jeweler can’t recognize them without lab verification. Insist that any diamond you buy come with verification of its quality.

Fourth
Protect your purchase by having your diamond appraised and insured. Appraisers and insurers rely on diamond grading reports (another good reason to ask for a grading report) to accurately evaluate the value of gems. There are several appraisal associations to assist you with finding one in your area. As an additional measure, consider having your diamond laser-inscribed with its GIA report number, to provide verification if it is ever lost or stolen.

Be sure not to miss our follow-up post tomorrow for more detailed information on the 4Cs, so you can make your diamond purchase with confidence. We’d love to help, so please ask any questions in the comment section below.

The post Diamond Buying Guide – Part 1 appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

Purchasing a diamond ring can be overwhelming. After you get through the education process of learning the diamond 4Cs there is still one more piece of the puzzle: understanding the difference between a grading report and an appraisal.

A diamond grading report, sometimes referred to as a certificate, is an official “blueprint” of a diamond. It will tell you the specific measurements and shape of your diamond, as well as point out the individual characteristics of your stone. One of the most widely recognized reports is the GIA Diamond Grading Report. Based on the International Diamond Grading System™ that GIA created nearly 60 years ago, the GIA Diamond Grading Report is an unbiased and scientifically-based assessment of your stone’s qualities. The report lets you know that your stone is in fact a diamond, and not some other material.  It describes your diamond’s Clarity, Color, Cut, Carat weight, proportions and finish. The report also identifies any known treatments.

A grading report, or certificate, is not the same thing as an appraisal. An appraisal is an estimate of a diamond’s monetary worth. An appraisal assigns a value based on current market conditions and the quality of the diamond. A GIA report, on the other hand, provides an objective assessment of a diamond’s quality, information which appraisers often use in assigning value.

Though a diamond’s value may appreciate or depreciate over time, a diamond’s qualities are unlikely to change. To document those qualities, GIA has developed three different types of grading reports: Diamond Grading Report, Diamond Dossier® and Diamond eReport. Most appraisers and insurance agencies consider GIA reports to be the most accurate and highly regarded official documents of diamond quality.

GIA Diamond Grading Report
In addition to a diamond’s 4Cs information, the Diamond Grading Report provides a plotted diagram of the stone’s clarity characteristics and a graphic representation of its proportions, information which serves to identify the individual stone.

GIA Diamond Dossier ®
The Diamond Dossier, available for diamonds that weigh between 0.15 and 1.99 carats, is a more concise, compact version of the GIA Diamond Grading Report. Instead of a plotted diagram of the clarity characteristics, this service includes the laser inscription of the diamond’s unique report number on the stone’s girdle.

GIA Diamond eReport
The eReport is a digital-only, paperless report that includes a graphic representation of the diamond’s proportions, and the added feature of a detailed face up image of the diamond captured during the grading process.

All GIA grading reports are intended to be used as a source of accurate, unbiased and trustworthy information about a diamond’s quality. Remember, a diamond report is not a certificate or guarantee and does not indicate a diamond’s monetary value. While an appraisal does not guarantee a price that can be fetched on the market for a given stone, it is an indicator that helps consumers understand the potential value of their diamond.  Both are important, but be sure to get a Diamond Grading Report before purchasing your very special diamond, so you are clear about what your diamond’s quality is.

The post What is the difference between a Diamond Grading Report and an Appraisal? appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

When considering the purchase of a gem or piece of jewelry, it is important to find an educated jeweler with a trustworthy reputation. A professional jeweler will have the knowledge and training to help you make an informed purchase. A jeweler with a reliable reputation will strive to understand your preferences,  provide you with a variety of purchase options, and do so in an honest and straightforward way.

There are a few good ways to find a professional jeweler.

First, look for a jeweler with impeccable credentials from an international gemological school, like GIA. A GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) credential is known world-wide as the mark of a senior professional in the jewelry industry. In the Graduate Gemologist program, jewelers learn the science and technical knowledge needed to deal with the entire range of diamonds and colored gemstones. Another diploma, the GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP), provides sales associates with the important product knowledge they need in order to provide customers with accurate diamond information. Jewelers with either of these credentials will be able to provide excellent and knowledgeable service. You can find a list of professional jewelers who have gone through GIA training on the GIA Alumni Association online directory.

Another way is to find a credentialed jeweler, with a strong positive reputation in your community. Ask a friend to recommend a jeweler or ask a jeweler to provide references. Find out how long the jeweler has been in business, if she/he belongs to any professional associations, and if they are a member of the GIA Alumni Association.

GIA Diamond Grading Report

Once you have selected your gem or piece of jewelry, it is a good idea to get an independent laboratory report on your stone. Professional jewelers around the world provide an independent diamond grading report with their fine diamonds. World-wide, the most trusted and accurate diamond reports come from GIA, the creator of the 4Cs diamond grading standard.

The post How to Choose a Reputable Jeweler appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

1. May I see a selection of diamonds to compare?

It’s important to see an assortment of diamonds that fall within your price range. Because buying a diamond is such a big investment, make sure you’ve explored your options before making a decision.

2. Can you tell me how the diamond grades against the 4Cs?

Nearly 50 years ago, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the now world-famous 4Cs of diamonds: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight. Your jeweler should have no problem explaining the 4Cs to you in more detail. In fact, to determine what Cs you find most important, you may want to ask your jeweler to show you diamonds that provide the best example of a certain characteristic, such as a colorless stone.

3. May I have a grading report for this diamond?

Insist that your diamond comes with a grading report from an independent, accredited gemological laboratory, such as GIA.  An independently generated report will ensure your diamond’s value, quality, and authenticity. GIA also offers a Diamond Dossier^®, containing the same information found on the traditional grading report without the clarity plotting diagram. The diamond is also laser inscribed but in a more compact format, and available for stones of up to 2.00 carats.

4. How can I protect my investment?

Keep your purchase secure by having your diamond appraised or insured. Appraisers and insurers rely on diamond grading and identification reports to evaluate the quality and value of your diamond. Your professional jewelry can you provide you more information on diamond appraisal and insurance.

5. How can I take care of the diamond?

Diamonds are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Talk to your jeweler about care and cleaning tips to keep your diamond strong and beautiful for years to come.

The post 5 Things to Ask Your Jeweler Before Buying a Diamond appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

1. He’ll do his homework—and so should you. What you really need to know about diamonds can be boiled down to the 4Cs: carat, color, clarity, and cut. The 4Cs were developed by the Gemology Institute of America (GIA) to grade diamonds by a universal standard. Buying a diamond with a GIA grading report on the 4Cs will give him confidence that he’s getting exactly what he’s paying for.
2. Drop subtle hints.Dropping hints can go a long way—you’ll get what you want, and he’ll get the satisfaction of knowing what you like without having to flat out ask. Here are a few tried and true methods:
   • Comment on elements of other rings that you like, ie, “Wow, I loved Melissa’s pear-shaped diamond and how it’s so sparkly and white—way better than a bigger one that’s not as pretty.”
   • Let him “discover” things—leave your computer or a magazine opened to a page with the diamond of your dreams.

If dropping hints sounds about right for you, you’re in good company—The Knot found that 70% of brides “not involved” in ring selection still dropped subtle hints.

1. Get your girls to help. Your soon-to-be-hubby will undoubtedly talk to female family members and girlfriends about what you like—so make sure they’re in the know.
2. Visit a jewelry store together. Going to a jeweler “just to look” can often do the trick. In fact, according to The Knot, over 68% of brides are involved in the ring selection process. Your ideal jeweler is a GIA-trained Graduate Gemologist, but any knowledgeable jeweler should be able to explain the 4Cs and guide you through your options.
3.  …and when all else fails, just tell him. When hints and casual jewelry store visits don’t work, just explain exactly what you want. You’ll make that once-in-a-lifetime purchase less stressful for him, and guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime moment for both of you!

The post 5 Steps to Getting Your Dream Diamond appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

1. Pay extra attention to her

Studies have shown that most women hint as to what they want from a ring, so it’s up to you to listen carefully. You can also take a look at her jewelry collection and see what kind of ring would match her style.

2. Get help from her friends and family

They can give you insight into what she wants; so don’t be afraid to ask for their opinions. Just make sure they can keep a secret!

3. Manage your spending

First and foremost, you should set and stick to a budget. Then, treat the ring like any other major, long-term expense. It is a big purchase, but her ring will be an ever-present part of both of your lives for years to come!

4. Learn the Essential 4Cs

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, there’s no such thing as knowing too much. GIA’s website contains a wealth of information related to buying diamonds, including an in-depth guide to the 4Cs: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight.

5. Prepare to protect your investment

A grading report will tell you the exact gemological quality of a diamond. You can then use it to compare diamonds against one another using the same universal scale. Also, having a grading report will ensure that your diamond’s gemological quality is documented.

When you’re ready to buy, make sure to have your diamond insured or appraised. An appraisal will place a monetary value to the stone, thus protecting your purchase if it’s stolen.

As you prepare to make your big purchase, just keep these 5 things in mind! When it’s finally time, you’ll know everything you need to make the right decision.

The post 5 Things To Do Before Buying Her a Diamond Engagement Ring appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

• Carat:  Diamonds are weighed in metric carats. Two carats weight about the same as a small paper clip. A carat is divided into 100 “points”, so a diamond of 50 points weighs 0.50 carats.

• Clarity:  Nearly all diamonds contain unique clarity characteristics.  Flawless diamonds are exceptional and costly. Most inclusions are invisible unless magnified.
• Color:  Colorless diamonds are extremely uncommon. Most diamonds have a slight yellow or brown tint. GIA uses letters to represent colors, beginning with D (colorless) and ending at Z (light yellow or brown). “Fancy colored diamonds” come in every color imaginable, are also very unusual and have their own GIA color grading system.

• Cut:  While diamonds come in different shapes, such as round, pear or marquise, the term “cut” refers to proportion. The well-cut, balanced diamond has unbridled brilliance, sparkle and fire.

Below is a suite of diamonds including, (clockwise from top) Asscher cut, pear shape, marquise shape and round brilliant cut. These diamond shapes remain popular in today’s diamond market. Photo by Robert Weldon, © GIA 2008

The post Before You Visit a Jeweler, Ace the 4Cs appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.