Question:

I am thinking about buying a diamond. Where should I start? Online, in a store, or somewhere else?

Answer

First of all, I would never suggest buying a diamond online. Would you ever buy a house based on pictures and floor plans? Would you buy a car without test driving it? Would you ever go to a college without visiting the campus first? Most likely, almost everyone would have answered most or all of those questions, no. If you answered no to any of these, then why would you ever buy a diamond online?


Knowing the color, clarity, carat and cut of the diamond is never enough to tell you how beautiful a diamond may or may not be. The only way to truly determine the beauty, and scintillation of a diamond, is by seeing it with your own two eyes. Would you really want to risk hundreds or thousands of dollars on such a meaningful gift for your loved one? Sure, some websites offer 30 day guarantees. However shipping and insuring a diamond back to the website, is not inexpensive.


This is why you need to know your jeweler. This person should be as well known to you as your banker, accountant, lawyer or physician. This is a person that has your best interest in mind as well as a reputation to uphold within your community. If you do not know such an individual ask people you know or associate with for recommendations.


While no one can please everyone all of the time you will find that one or two names will continue to ‘pop up’. After you narrow your choices arrange to meet with these individuals. First impressions will tell you a great deal. How knowledgeable is this person? Do you feel secure with this person’s recommendations? Do you feel safe leaving your jewelry with this individual? If not keep looking until you find someone with whom you feel comfortable.


A friend once told me that he ”always felt better if he could put his hands around the person he purchased a diamond from”. I’m not certain that I would carry it that far but his message rings true. When making a major jewelry purchase I always recommend purchasing from someone with a good reputation. Remember KNOW YOUR JEWELER!!!!!!


Matthew O’Desky – DCA Diamontologist and Guild Gemologist
Sheldon Millsap – Diamond Graduate GIA

Austin Diamond District,
3301 Northland Drive, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78731
Cell - 512-940-1646 Office - 512-458-GEMS
Matt@AustinDiamondDistrict.com