This guide walks you through a process I’ve perfected during my more than 30 years in the jewelry industry.

If any step of this process intimidates you or you just want more detail, call me. It is a pleasure to coach you through each step in detail. I’m available by phone, text, and email, and I’ll even come to you to find out what you’re looking for, show you the diamonds I find (some of my clients are trying to keep their purchase a secret), and deliver your finished jewelry.

Because I have no overhead, work directly with suppliers, and have strong relationships with custom jewelry designers in Cincinnati, I save my clients a significant amount of money.

Everyone saves hundreds; most save thousands!

Here’s an overview of the sections in this guide:

Step One: Educate Yourself

Do not go into a store without some knowledge of diamonds.

Before you walk into a jewelry store, take some time to learn the basics about diamonds. Get familiar with the words used to describe diamonds – at least the ones that apply to the style you’re looking for.

The Gemological Institute of America has an excellent resource in their online encyclopedia about diamonds, including videos, illustrations, and information that will help you gain a basic understanding of the item you’re shopping for (https://www.gia.edu/diamond).

Still curious?

Visit the GIA’s 4Cs Blog and read all about ratings, cuts, and sourcing.

Diamond Clarity

According to the GIA, 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.” Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond.

Diamond Color

This rating assesses the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue – similar to a drop of pure water. The lack of hue results in a higher value. Even the slightest hint of color can make a dramatic difference in value. These color distinctions are usually invisible to the untrained eye.

Step Two: Learn About Diamond Certifications

The diamond industry contains many gemological laboratories, some more strict and conservative in the grading of the diamonds and the certifications they give than others.

FK Diamonds only sells diamonds certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gemological Society Lab (AGSL), and the European Gemological Lab (EGL-USA). These are the three highest-rated and most-recognized gem labs in the jewelry industry.

• Gemological Institute Of America (GIA) which is considered by many—if not all—jewelers to be the most respected gemological lab in the industry. It sets the bar for all other labs because of its strict grading principles.
• American Gemological Society Lab (AGSL) is considered by many to be equal to the GIA. It is universally accepted and respected by the jewelry industry.
• European Gemological Lab-United States of America (EGL-USA) is a very good lab, but according to some not as strict as the GIA or AGSL.
  NOTE: When looking at diamonds certified by the EGL-USA, make sure that the certification includes USA on it. That means the diamond was graded in the US. If the certificate is EGL and not EGL-USA, the diamond has been graded overseas where guidelines for grading diamonds are less strict. You may not be getting what you are paying for.

I strongly encourage you check out the information on these sites as they are the worldwide leaders in gemstone identification and professional certification.

Step Three: Visit Reputable Jewelers

Choose 2-3 reputable jewelers in your area (if you’re ambitious, feel free to visit more!). Look for independent jewelers who have been in business for awhile. Don’t bother going to a chain jewelry store in the mall – it’s a waste of your time (and mine).

When you walk in, a salesperson will approach you. Tell him or her that you are just beginning to look at diamonds and settings and are there to gather information with regard to qualities and prices. This is common and will help set their expectation that you are not ready to buy that day.

Step Four: Get the Details

Important: Only look at loose (not mounted in a setting) certified diamonds. We will purchase the diamond/s you want separately from the setting in order to get you the best deal. Looking at loose diamonds ensures that we compare cut, rating, and size fairly.

When you see a diamond of interest, ask the salesperson for a copy of the certification. Or, be prepared to write down information about the following characteristics which are listed on the certification. All of these characteristics are important with regard to the quality and price of the diamond.

Don’t Miss These Details

Be sure the salesperson explains the following to you:

1. Shape and size of the diamond
2. Color of the diamond
3. Clarity of the diamond
4. Table and depth percentages of the diamond
5. Polish and symmetry of the diamond
6. Fluorescence of the diamond

Step Five: Choose a Setting

When looking at settings, ask the salesperson to explain the differences (pros/cons) of a 14kt. white or yellow gold, 18kt. white or yellow gold, and/or platinum setting.

If you are looking at a setting with diamonds in it, write down the number of diamonds in it, their sizes, and the total weight of diamonds.

When you see a setting you like, take a picture of it. Stores readily allow this today.

And of course, document the price.

Have your heart set on a designer setting?

No problem! I work with an extremely talented designer located in Cincinnati and we can work together to design any setting you may like.

Plus you get the bragging rights of creating a custom-designed ring.

Step Six: Call Me

Once you have narrowed things down for me, done your homework, and gathered the information in the steps above, call me. I’ll go over everything with you, and then I go to work finding you the best deal.

We will look at diamonds and settings, comparing their quality and price with the ones you found at the jewelers you visited. I will find exactly what you want AND save you a significant amount of money.

The key to success with my process is gaining knowledge, shopping around, and comparing.

If you don’t shop and compare, I can guarantee that you will overspend, and there’s a very good chance that you will buy something with questionable ratings.

Step Seven: Save

It’s that simple.

You will save hundreds – most likely thousands – by working with me to purchase your diamonds and setting. So, if you want quality certified diamonds for MUCH less than you will pay elsewhere, give me a call or shoot me an email.