Thanks to everyone for all the feedback on diamond buying. Keep it coming. Here’s what I know so far:
- I’m getting a GIA-certified diamond. I was going to do this already; thanks also to David for additional feedback. (Learn more about GIA certification.)
- I know the range of carat size, clarity, color, and cut I want, and how much I can expect to pay for it.
- I know how to read a GIA certificate (beyond the 4 C’s).
- I’m getting the diamond independently appraised. Thanks Dori. (Learn more about independent diamond appraisal.)
- I checked with the Better Business Bureau for complaints about the jeweler. Thanks Paul. (Grimball Jewelers has no registered complaints.)
- I may buy the diamond separately, and just have the jeweler set it into the ring. Grimball’s doesn’t know that I know I can do this.
- I’m getting the diamond insured. Thanks Michael. This is easy once I get it appraised, but requires a separate rider; I probably can’t just lump it in with my regular homeowner’s insurance.
- Prices are not linear by carat weight; there are price jumps at major weights, and I can theoretically save money by buying just under a price jump. Unfotunately, D has made it quite clear what weight she wants, so I don’t have a lot of flexibility here.
- I can theoretically save money by buying a diamond simulate like moissanite. Thanks Anita. While I will keep this in mind for jewelry purchases later in life, D has made it clear that she wants a real diamond for her engagement ring, so I don’t have a lot of flexibility here either. I am, as they say, stuck between a rock and a hard place.
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