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How to buy a diamond
Appraisals
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vs. appraisal
Glossary of Terms
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HOW
TO BUY A DIAMOND
Misgrading
Just about every "diamond dealer" uses the technical terms
created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). But some unscrupulous
dealers say their stones are much better than they really are.
Some others simply don't know how to grade accurately and end up exaggerating
to sound good. Either way, you could easily end up with LESS than
you bargained for.
Treated
Diamonds
These days there are many ways to artificially treat diamonds
to hide their visible imperfections. Diamonds can be dyed, coated,
laser drilled or even filled-in with glass. These treatments often
aren't permanent, and many dealers won't even tell you they
are there. This deception means you're paying far too much for the
quality you've really gotten.
Under-Carating
Those ads you've seen for "one-carat total weight" diamonds
or "half carat engagement rings" are deceptive. The
weights are rarely exact, and often are exaggerated. Total weight
does not mean the weight of the single center stone but the sum of
ALL the stones--so it's hard to know what you have really bought.
This practice is not only deceptive, it may also be illegal.
False
Pricing
Many "SHARKS"
inflate their prices beyond fair market value so that they can claim
"50% OFF!" It may be legal, but it sure is deceptive.
Diamond
Appraisals
There
are no federal, state or local laws regulating who can appraise jewelry.
Only qualified appraisers, not affiliated with a jewelry seller,
can be independent. An honest and accurate appraisal should be an
independent one. Don't be afraid to ask.
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