Diamonds are expensive purchases, and although most people will purchase one or more diamonds during their lifetime, the typical consumer knows virtually nothing about how to assess them.  This offers the potential for all types of problems, ranging from being overcharged for the diamond to being sold  something that isn’t a diamond at all.  If you’re thinking about purchasing a diamond ring engagement set, you should take the time to become informed before making your purchase.

There are a lot of sites on the Web that can provide good information about how to shop for diamond engagement rings.  Of course, the “Four Cs” of analyzing a stone stand at the forefront – cut, clarity, color and carat weight.  You are seeking a stone that is clear and has no discoloration.  The cost will go up with the carat weight, as larger stones cost much more money.

Be sure to ask to view the diamond via a 10x jeweler’s loupe. Any trustworthy jeweler will offer you one, often before you even ask.  Imperfections within the stone will be spotted more easily with a loupe.

You should also ask to see the GIA certificate or AGS certificate for the diamond.  You ought to be suspicious if the jeweler declines to show you the document.

While artificial diamonds have improved in quality, they’re still less pricey than natural stones.  Watch out for jewelers who provide you manufactured stones while claiming they are genuine diamonds. To head this off, look through a 10x loupe and should you see double facets or a doubled diamond table reflection,  this may indicate that you’ve a synthetic stone.

A newspaper or magazine placed behind a stone can reveal if the stone is Cubic Zirconia, rather than a actual diamond.   A real diamond will scatter light; you will not be able to read newsprint through one.

When searching at a stone for color, be sure to place it on a white surface.  A black surface can hide discolorations in the stone.

You should shop at stores that have the actual price  on their jewelry.  Dishonest dealers can just make up a price if a ring is unmarked or just has a code instead of a price on the tag.

Although the vast majority of jewelers are truthful, several aren’t. Given that buying a diamond engagement ring is some thing you hope to do only one time, you want to make sure that you’re obtaining the most for the money.  The better educated you’re about purchasing diamonds, the more likely you are to buy a stone that will make both you and your loved one happy.