The Definitive Guide to Buying Quality Certified Diamonds THIS SHOP-AND-COMPARE PROCESS WILL SAVE YOU MONEY This guide walks you through a process I ve perfected during my more than 30 years in the jewelry industry. If any step of this process intimidates you, or you just want more information, call me at 513-260-1312. It is my pleasure to coach you through each step in detail. I am available by phone, text, and email, and I ll even come to you to find out what you re looking for, show you the diamonds I find (some of my clients are trying to keep their purchase a secret), and deliver your finished jewelry. Because I have no overhead, work directly with suppliers, and have strong relationships with custom jewelry designers in Cincinnati, I save my clients a significant amount of money. Everyone saves hundreds; most save thousands. My Guarantee I guarantee that if you follow this guide step by step, you WILL get the highest quality diamond for the money. This is a one-of-a-kind guarantee no jeweler will offer this to you. When you work with me, you know exactly what you are buying no unpleasant surprises later. And you will save a significant amount of money compared to retail jewelers. 1
After purchasing a diamond ring from Fred, I can say that you are crazy not to consider him before spending big bucks on a major investment like a diamond. He got me exactly what I was looking for at about 20% less than I would have paid at Bluenile.com, and 30% less than a retail store. I saved a few thousand dollars! Attorney Hyde Park, Ohio Step One: Learn the Terms Do not go into a store without some knowledge of diamonds. Before you walk into a jewelry store, take some time to learn the basics. Get familiar with the words used to describe diamonds at least the ones that apply to the style you re looking for. The Gemological Institute of America has an excellent resource in their online encyclopedia about diamonds, including videos, illustrations, and information that will help you gain a basic understanding of the item you re shopping for (https://www.gia.edu/diamond). 2
Diamond Clarity According to the GIA, natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes. Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond. Diamond Color This rating assesses the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue similar to a drop of pure water. The lack of hue results in a higher value. Even the slightest hint of color can make a dramatic difference in value. These color distinctions are usually invisible to the untrained eye. Still curious? Visit the GIA s 4Cs Blog and read all about ratings, cuts, and sourcing. 3
Step Two: Learn About Diamond Certifications There are many gemological laboratories in the diamond industry, some more strict and conservative in their grading and certification than others. FK Diamonds only sells diamonds certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gemological Society Lab (AGSL), and the European Gemological Lab United States of America (EGL-USA). These are the three highest rated and most widely recognized gem labs in the jewelry industry. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is considered by many if not all jewelers to be the most respected lab in the industry. It sets the bar for all others because of its strict grading principles. American Gemological Society Lab (AGSL) is considered by many to be equal to the GIA. It is universally accepted and respected by the jewelry industry. European Gemological Lab United States of America (EGL-USA) is a very good lab, but according to some not as strict as GIA or AGSL. NOTE: When looking at diamonds certified by EGL-USA, make sure that the certification includes USA. That means the diamond was graded in the US. If the certificate is EGL and not EGL-USA, then the diamond has been graded overseas where guidelines are less strict. You may not be getting what you are paying for. I strongly encourage you to check out the information on these sites as these labs are the worldwide leaders in gemstone identification and professional certification. 4
Why buy certified diamonds? When you select a GIA, AGSL, or EGL-USA certified diamond, you know exactly what you are purchasing. You receive a certificate with the diamond s rating on all measures, assuring you that you are buying a quality gemstone. Without certification, it s very difficult to identify exactly what you are buying and to assess the true value of the stone. I will always find the most valuable stone for your budget and give you the certification to prove it. Step Three: Visit Reputable Jewelers Choose two or three reputable jewelers in your area (if you re ambitious, feel free to visit more!). Look for independent jewelers who have been in business for a while. Don t bother going to a chain jewelry store in the mall it s a waste of your time (and mine). When you walk in, a salesperson will approach you. Tell him or her that you are just beginning to look at diamonds and settings and are there to gather information with regard to qualities and prices. This is common and will set the expectation that you are not ready to buy that day. Do you HAVE to go to a jeweler? I recommend it so that you can see firsthand what you like, both in diamonds and in settings. Doing this homework also provides you and me with exact diamonds and their retail prices, which I can use to compare for you. With this information, you will know exactly how much I save you. 5
Step Four: Get the Details Important: Only look at loose (not mounted in a setting) certified diamonds. We will purchase the diamond/s you want separately from the setting in order to get you the best deal. Looking at loose diamonds ensures that we compare cut, rating, and size fairly. When you see a diamond of interest, ask the salesperson for a copy of the certification. Or, be prepared to write down the information listed on the certification. Don t Miss These Details. Be sure the salesperson explains the following to you: 1 Shape and size of the diamond 2 Color of the diamond 3 Clarity of the diamond 4 Table and depth percentages of the diamond 5 Polish and symmetry of the diamond 6 Fluorescence of the diamond All of these characteristics are important with regard to the quality and price of the diamond. 6
Fluorescence In spite of what some salespeople may tell you, DO NOT consider a diamond that has Strong, Very Strong, or Extremely Strong Fluorescence. This does not increase the value of the diamond. Step Five: Choose a Setting When looking at settings, ask the salesperson to explain the differences (pros/cons) between a 14-kt. white or yellow gold, 18-kt. white or yellow gold, and/or platinum setting. If you are looking at a setting with diamonds in it, write down the number of diamonds, their sizes, and their total weight. When you see a setting you like, take a picture of it. Stores readily allow this today. And of course, document the price. Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands An important factor when choosing an engagement ring setting is how the wedding band will fit with it. That is, will the wedding band sit flush up against the engagement ring or will there be a gap between them? Most women prefer the bands to sit flush against each other. 7
Have your heart set on a designer setting? No problem! I work with an extremely talented designer located in Cincinnati, and we can work together to design any setting you may like. Plus, you get the bragging rights of creating a custom-designed piece! Step Six: Call Me Once you have narrowed things down for me, done your homework, and gathered the information in the steps above, call me. I ll go over everything with you, and then I go to work finding you the best deal. We will look at diamonds and settings, comparing their quality and price with the ones you found at the jewelers you visited. I will find exactly what you want AND save you a significant amount of money. The key to success with my process is gaining knowledge, shopping around, and comparing. If you don t shop and compare, I can guarantee that you will overspend, and there s a very good chance that you will buy something with questionable ratings. 8
Step Seven: Save It s that simple. You will save hundreds most likely thousands by working with me to purchase your diamond jewelry. So if you want a quality certified diamond and setting for MUCH less than you will pay elsewhere, give me a call or shoot me an email. You saved me about 25% and you did everything you said you would do (and then some). Tim Twomey Norwood, OH Ready to Save? Call 513-260-1312 or email fred@fkdiamonds.com to get started. 9