Valentines Diamond

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR VALENTINES DIAMOND

Stated quality

* Ensure the quality description is specific. Many retailers only provide a range, i.e., G-I color, SI-I3 clarity. This range is too broad. A good merchant will specifically state the quality. G, VS-2 or H, SI-1.

* Confirm that the diamond quality was graded prior to mounting. This is one of the most important criteria to ensure you are getting the stated quality.

Stated carat weight

* Look for the specific stated carat weight. It's common for retailers to "advertise" at the popular carat weights of .25tcw, .33tcw, .50tcw, .75tcw, 1.0tcw, etc and then give you less carat weight. For example the merchant will list .33tcw Diamond Studs, and in the fine print is says "minimum carat weight .30tcw". This is simply not good practice, and is typically where a retailer can make better margins by giving you less than promised.