As you know there are many possible ways in which you can buy a diamond: the most important factor in diamond buying is being as informed as possible. We hope you learn as much as you can from the information we have to offer on this site.
Also our monthly Diamond Nights provide an evening of Diamond education and the all important glass or two of bubbly.

Diamond Buying Abroad

Perfect Cut Diamond

Diamond buying destinations such as New York, Dubai and Antwerp have a great aura of exoticism and glamour and currently are very much in vogue. Part of the attraction can be the draw of a less expensive stone.

On the downside there are the added extras of flights, accommodation, and spending money while there. Also buying from a jewellers some distance away could later add to the cost significantly when a routine service, a resizing consultation or a trade-up is required. Naturally if a ring is purchased online these support services may not be available and if they are will be significantly less personal.

A few things to bear in mind if buying in the following destinations: Dublin , on the High street, Antwerp, New York Diamond District, on the Internet in general, and on Blue Nile specifically.

Dublin

Diamond buying destinations

All jewellery sold in Ireland and the UK is tested for purity and Hallmarked.

High street

If you are buying on the High street make sure that you are dealing with a fully trained professional.
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Antwerp

The Diamond District in Antwerp has many jewellery shops specialising in diamonds, loose and mounted.

Make sure the diamond you are given matches the certificate.

It is important you know the birthplace of your diamond. What are its specifications? How do I insure my diamond in case of loss or theft?

New York Diamond District

New York is the shopping mecca of the World with hundreds of stores and booths with a huge array of diamonds – the bright lights of the city – But is it what you expect?

Always ask to see the stones in natural light. Ask what types of metal is used? Are you looking for a fancy colour or a perfect colourless stone? Round or pear shaped ?

Remember your diamond should be flawless, a uniquely precious stone – stunning to the naked eye – so it really pays to do your research.

Internet

Every day a new website is springing up offering diamonds at unbelievable prices. Check your warranty before purchasing.

The internet is a great tool, for sourcing information – just remember what you see may not be what you get. It is advisable to see the diamond loose and in its natural state, take a close peek – can you see its birthmarks – its clarity?

Does the image reflect the diamond at its true size?

Compare prices, see different styles, even create your own unique design and build your own ring

Then realize your dream – go into your diamond dealer today to make your special purchase the failsafe way.

To have the best diamond buying experience

We want you to have the best diamond buying experience possible. Here are a few important areas to be aware of:

• Transparency/ Natural Lights Service
• Knowledge
• Conflict Diamonds
• Guarantees
• Certification
• Hallmarking

Transparency & Natural Lights

Always ask to see diamonds loose.

Always ask to see diamonds under natural light. Shop lights can mask defects in diamonds and can enhance the diamond’s sparkle unnaturally. The best way to look at diamonds is under natural light.

Service

You should ensure that there is no additional charge for resizing your ring and its annual service.

Knowledge

Only deal with trained qualified professionals. This purchase is a one in a lifetime. Ensure you receive the level of expertise appropriate.

Conflict Diamonds

Ask about the Kimberley Process and the retailer’s position on Conflict diamonds.

Guarantee

You should expect a minimum of a twelve month warranty.

Certification

Any diamond above half a carat should be certified. Ensure the certificate is a reputable one. Never buy a diamond that has been certified by the seller.

Hallmarking

The company of goldsmiths of Dublin is the oldest guild in Ireland dating back over two hundred and fifty years. A hallmark guarantees the purity of a ring. If buying within Ireland or the UK you can be assured that your ring will be hallmarked. However there is no guarantee if buying outside Ireland and the UK that your ring will be hallmarked.

Here are a few aspects of diamond buying you should be aware of…

A diamond ring should be matched to perfectly complement your own hand – you should be careful buying online as it is difficult to picture how the ring will look on your finger.

Does the diamond match the online diamond certificates?

We also want you to have the best diamond buying experience possible. Here are a few important areas to be aware of:

Be aware of hidden costs/risks of purchase.

Beware especially aware of treated diamonds. It is said that 80% of New York diamonds are treated.

For many years diamonds have been treated to try and improve the natural qualities of the diamond. One of the oldest tricks in the book involved placing a dot of ink on the diamond cut. Now there are many modern techniques that attempt to raise the apparent worth and quality of a diamond.

It is said that 80% of New York diamonds are treated. Some methods enhance the clarity of a diamond, others the colour of a diamond. Treatments include the following Cleavage filling/Yehuda, Laser Drilling/Bleaching, Irradiation, High pressure/High Temperature treatment/Deep Boiling, Coating

Cleavage filling/Yehuda

Cleavage filling is the process of filling natural cracks or cleavages. The filling is usually molten glass. The point of this treatment is to decrease the visibility of such a crack as such a defect will seriously decrease clarity and thus value.

No HRD certificate can be issued to a diamond with a cleavage filling.

Laser Drilling/Bleaching

This technique involves using laser beams to drill a small hole in diamond. boiling acid is pored into this passage in order to remove or to bleach dark inclusions. The aim of this treatment is to improve the clarity of the stone. A diamond that has undergone this type of treatment is less valuable than a stone with comparable natural clarity.

Irradiation

Artificial irradiation is no longer allowed in the EU due to the detrimental effect on health. But in the USA, Russia and other countries this irradiation continues. Nuclear rays shoots the carbon atoms out of their position in the crystal lattice, leaving behind a vacancy. These vacancies disturb the normal crystal and electron structure of the diamond, are unstable and absorb energy in the red part of the spectrum. This results in the typical green-blue colour of irradiated diamonds.

The purpose of this treatment is to create fancy coloured diamonds unnaturally or to enhance the colour of a poorly coloured stone.

High pressure/ High Temperature treatment/Deep Boiling

This treatment makes brown stones lighter or creates yellow-green diamonds depending on the initial qualities of the diamond. The conditions created during this treatment are very similar to those of the diamonds original formation deep under the Earth’s crust. That alone makes detection of this treatment problematic.

Coating

Coating on polished diamonds refers to thin artificial layers that alter the colour. The surface of a diamond can be covered completely or a coating can be applied to a narrow zone near the girdle. This treatment is of course fraudulent and must always be detected. A coating can be easily scratched and thus a fake unmasked by relatively simple means.

We have compiled our knowledge into a free downloadable guide to diamond buying. To receive your free guide, simply enter your email address in the box below and a download link to the guide will be emailed to you