Purchasing a diamond is a big step and finding the right one can be pretty intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. Before you make your purchase of a lifetime, make sure to ask the following 5 questions to your jeweler.

1. May I see a selection of diamonds to compare?
It’s important to see an assortment of diamonds that fall within your price range. Because buying a diamond is such a big investment, make sure you’ve explored your options before making a decision.

2. Can you tell me how the diamond grades against the 4Cs?
Nearly 50 years ago, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the now world-famous 4Cs of diamonds: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight.
Diamond Color: Measures how close a diamond is to being colorless. The more colorless a diamond, the more brilliant it appears under light.
Diamond Cut: The cut of a diamond impacts its brightness and how much it sparkles when exposed to light.
Diamond Clarity: Diamonds can contain tiny imperfections that naturally occur during its formation. Clarity is graded by how visible these markings are at 10x magnification.
Diamond Carat weight: The most obvious characteristic of the diamond, carat weight is relative to the size of the gem. While size is important, the perfect diamond is one that satisfies your requirements for Color, Clarity and Cut as well.

Your jeweler should have no problem explaining the 4Cs to you in more detail. In fact, to determine what Cs you find most important, you may want to ask your jeweler to show you diamonds that provide the best example of a certain characteristic, such as a colorless stone.

3. May I have a grading report for this diamond?
Insist that your diamond comes with a grading report from an independent, accredited gemological laboratory, such as GIA.  Their reports are highly regarded and are one of the most widely used reports in the world. An independently generated report will ensure your diamond’s value, quality, and authenticity. GIA also offers a Diamond Dossier®, containing the same information found on the traditional grading report, but in a more compact format, and available for stones of up to 2.00 carats.

4. How can I protect my investment?
Keep your purchase secure by having your diamond appraised or insured. Appraisers and insurers rely on diamond grading and identification reports to evaluate the quality and value of your diamond. Your professional jewelry can you provide you more information on diamond appraisal and insurance.

5. How can I take care of the diamond?
Diamonds are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Talk to your jeweler about care and cleaning tips to keep your diamond strong and beautiful for years to come.

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To learn more about buying a diamond, visit www.gia4cs.gia.edu.

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

The
 average engagement ring costs over $1,500, yet many of us forget to get adequate coverage in case it is lost or stolen. While you can never replace your ring’s emotional value, there are ways you can insure its monetary value. Purchasing jewelry insurance doesn’t have to be complicated.

When planning a romantic proposal, insuring a valuable gift is not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind, so we are reminding people to make sure expensive jewelry is fully covered.

First, get your ring valued by a jeweler or appraiser, who should give you a valuation certificate.

Then check if it’s covered by your home and contents insurance policy.

Once you’ve got your insurance, take a photo of your ring, as this will help your insurer to process any claim more quickly.

Finally, if you lose your ring, inform your insurer immediately, and if it’s stolen, contact the police and get a crime reference number, as this is essential for a theft claim.

Diamond Jewelry Insurance Chart

Expert Wedding Ring Advice at TheManRegistry.com

Have you been wondering how in the hell you’re going to size your fiance’s ring finger?

How much you should pay for engagement ring insurance?

What exactly is a conflict free diamond?

Wonder no more, guys. Whiteflash.com, the web’s top diamond e-boutique, has joined The Man Registry’s groom expert panel. The panel consists of top wedding industry experts that want to help simplify this whole wedding planning thing.

So sit back, crack a beer, and we’ll show you everything you want to know (and more) about engagement and wedding rings.

Cheers!