Jewelry Store Guide: 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Jewelry

Purchasing beautiful diamond jewelry should be an exciting experience. However, if you are not careful, it can easily become overwhelming or you could be duped into buying things you later regret. You can avoid making mistakes when purchasing diamonds at your neighborhood jewelry store by being aware of the typical mistakes people make.

Mistake 1: Focusing on the Wrong “C”

Many shoppers get fixated on a diamond’s carat weight as the main indicator of quality and value. However, appearance and sparkle are actually greatly impacted by the “C’s” of cut, clarity, and color. An expert jeweler knows a well-cut 1 carat stone with great clarity outshines a poorly cut 2 carat diamond full of flaws. Don’t get sucked into the bigger is better trap without considering the full picture.

Mistake 2: Assuming All Jewelry Stores are Equal

Thinking one jewelry retail storeis as good as another can lead you to overpay or buy inferior stones. High quality diamonds require expert handling for proper grading and pricing. Established local jewelry shops with certified gemologists on staff offer the knowledge and transparency needed. Avoid popping into chain stores with rotating staff lacking specialized training when making major diamond purchases. 

Mistake #3: Neglecting an Evaluation

Failing to get an independent appraisal before finalizing an expensive diamond jewelry purchase is asking for trouble. An appraiser provides third-party documentation verifying your stone’s specifications and true market value for insurance purposes. Disreputable retailers may fudge facts if they know you aren’t appraising. Insist on an appraisal from a certified appraiser to protect your investment.

Mistake #4: Choosing Style Over Quality

It’s easy to fall for a gorgeous diamond jewelry design and overlook vital factors like craftsmanship, materials and diamond value for what catches your eye. Prioritizing physical appearance and immediate emotional appeal leads to disappointments down the road. Investigate settings, metal purity, diamond quality ratings and craftsmanship first before selecting based on visual style alone. 

Mistake #5: Assuming Diamond Grading is Standardized

Unlike metric units that hold consistent meaning, diamond grading allows some interpretation and subjective analysis. To prevent disappointment, work with jewelers using GIA or AGS certified gemologists for grading. These certifications indicate proper training in These certifications indicate proper training in consistent grading benchmarks for clarity, color and cut. 

Mistake #6: Neglecting Certification Paperwork

Any diamond jewelry purchase must come with certification documents stating grading specifications like weight, shape, clarity level, fluorescence and more. These certificates add proof of your diamond’s characteristics while enabling easy replacement if it is lost or damaged. No paperwork means there is no way to verify what you purchased or recoup its value. Reputablejewelry store retailers always provide certification. 

By avoiding these typical mistakes, you can save yourself from getting tricked. It is important to always choose a jewelry store that provides you with GIA, AGS and EGL certifications. There are chances that such jewelry shops will provide you with high-quality diamond jewelry.