7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

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London's Diamond Experts

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

1 - Do not impulse buy your jewellery!

Research and understand the product you are about to purchase. A basic knowledge of diamonds and diamond grading is imperative to help you decide on a grade of diamond to suit your requirements and budget.

4Cs Diamonds in London offer free tutorials which cover the following topics:

A full explanation of the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight The importance of certification, gem grading laboratories and how to read a report How to examine a diamond and use a “loupe” How diamonds are priced Diamond simulants and how to avoid buying them Metals and designs.

It may seem like common sense, but it is surprising how many people will spend what is usually one of the top three most expensive purchases of a lifetime (after a house and car) without any, or at most, very limited knowledge.

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

2 - Do not buy jewellery from sellers who cannot prove that the diamond they are selling has been purchased from a legitimate and bone fide source!

Diamonds sold in the UK today should have the following statement (or similar wording) attached to their invoice:

“The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict-free based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds.”

All diamonds sold by 4Cs Diamonds comply with the above statement.

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

3 - Shop around!

You will be surprised at how much price differs from one seller to the next. A “branded” piece of jewellery can cost quite considerably more than unbranded; sometimes 100% more even though the quality of the diamond may be the same (and sometimes less) than from unbranded.

Of course it is important that the quality of the jewellery itself is of a high standard however, bear in mind that about 90% of your budget will be taken up with the diamond!

All jewellery from 4Cs Diamonds is made in house and clients input in to the design is very much encouraged to assure that every piece is made entirely to your own specifications.

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

4 - Avoid uncertified diamonds!

It is well worth your while to buy a diamond from a recognised gem grading laboratory such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the HRD (Diamond High Council, Antwerp, Belgium).

Each certificate has listed the weight, colour, clarity and proportions of the stone as well as stating that it is a “natural diamond”.

There will also be a “map” of the stone or a laser inscription ensuring that the diamond is in fact the same one as is on the certificate. 4Cs Diamonds sells only certified diamonds.

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

5 - Make sure you have adequate insurance to cover the replacement cost of your jewellery in the event of a loss before you collect your new ring!

This can normally be added to your household contents insurance policy as a separate item. Jewellery up to the value of £1,000 is usually covered without any extra premium and jewellery over this amount should be listed as a separate item.

It is imperative that you are insured for “worldwide cover and for all eventualities”. 4Cs Diamonds provide valuation certificates with all jewellery sold including a digital photograph.

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

6 - Design of your engagement ring is just as important as choosing the diamond!

Bear in mind that an engagement ring will be worn most of the time and should therefore be of a design that can withstand the occasional knock! It should be practical as well as beautiful!

Remember that it will also (eventually) be worn with a wedding band next to it and this should be taken in to consideration. At 4Cs Diamonds we will make your wedding band to match and fit snugly next to your engagement ring.

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

7 - After Sales Service should also be considered!

For example, at 4Cs Diamonds we strive to look after our clients by offering free “check ups” to ensure that stones are securely set. We will also repolish your engagement ring prior to your wedding so that it is as new for the big day! We also offer free hand engraving on all wedding bands purchased.

VAT Refunds for Overseas Visitors. If you are a visitor from outside of the EEC you are entitled to reclaim the VAT (currently 17.5%) on your purchase if the item is exported (taken outside of the EEC) within three months from the invoice date. 4Cs Diamonds will take care of the paperwork for you and charge no commission for this service.

7 Pitfalls To Avoid When Purchasing A Diamond Ring In The UK

Created by...

London's Diamond Experts