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Beginner's Guide to Buying Diamonds

Four Cs, Tutorials, Tips on Buying

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diamond Learning About Diamonds

Does the thought of buying a diamond overwhelm you? Don't know where to start? Afraid you're going to get ripped off? Or buy a diamond everyone ELSE knows is full of flaws just by looking at it?

Relax. Learning just a few of the basics will be enough to protect you from the most common pitfalls. When you know to ask about certificates and you have an understanding of the information (particularly the Four Cs) contained in those certificates, you'll be wayyyy ahead of the average buyer.

What are the Four Cs?

The "Four Cs" are the most common elements which receive a "grade" from the labs who provide "reports" (also called "certificates") for diamonds. Before you buy a diamond, you should have a basic understanding of what is being graded, the grading scales used, and the impact each element has on both the beauty and the value of the diamond.

What are Certificates?

Certificates, also called "grading reports", provide significant details about the carat, color, clarity, cut, and more of a diamond. A certificate is not an appraisal of the diamond's monetarty value, but rather a "blueprint" of the diamond's shape and characteristics. More about certificates...

Additional Resources

  • Where to Buy
  • Tutorials, Guides
    • Diamond Buying Guide: More extensive information about each of the Four Cs, precious metals, diamond pricing, and more.
    • Auntie's Diamonds: More extensive information presented in a humorous (and accurate) manner.

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