The global diamond jewelry market is a $79 billion business, often glamorized in movies, music and popular culture. From “Diamonds Are Forever” to “Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)”, the purchase of beautiful diamonds is a popular and common part of our culture. But whether you are buying a vintage engagement ring or a pair of high-quality diamond earrings to accentuate your little black dress, here are some tips to make sure that your purchase goes off without a hitch.
1. Set Your Budget and Discuss Style With Your Partner
The single most important thing is what works best for you. Having a realistic budget range helps, in a positive way, to make major decisions on your behalf in advance. Also, if you are purchasing an engagement ring, to know what style, size or cut your partner would love. There are so many different prices and looks, it’s better to have these conversations early to increase your chances of finding exactly what you want.
2. Choose the Diamond
So many choices! They all look so beautiful. Where to begin?
The good news is you don’t have to be a gemologist to get this right. Ultimately, you are buying a piece of history as well as the most important ring you will ever purchase, so your personal feelings matter just as much as anything else. The choice you make is as unique as you are. What shape do you prefer? Old Mine Cut or Old European? What era? Antique, Mid Century or Modern? Are you comfortable with the size of the stone? It would be our pleasure to walk you through these questions and help you find your perfect answer. This is an emotional decision, as much as anything else. If you are being talked into the diamond, it is probably not the best one for you.
Also, since we are primarily focused on one-of-a-kind jewelry at Jack Weir & Sons, we do recommend that if you see something you like, go ahead and buy it. We usually only have one piece in inventory, so if you see it on our site, it is best to make it your own, as soon as possible. If it feels and looks right to you, then it most likely is.
3. See The Diamond
HD-quality videos and photos should be made available for your viewing. The jewel’s glow, clarity, flaws, size, et cetera, should be on full display. In general, if the video or photos don’t answer your questions, ask to see other ones – with different lighting, for example. But, most importantly, how does it make you feel? Again, trust your gut.
At Jack Weir and Sons, we also offer in-person and virtual appointments at our office in Beverly Hills. We would be delighted to share our collection with you, so that we can answer any questions.
4. If Possible, Seek GIA Certificate for Authenticity
Ask the seller to provide any accompanying authenticity certificates from GIA, since they are the world’s foremost authorities on diamonds, colored stones and pearls. All diamonds do not have them, but it is always good to ask. At Jack Weir & Sons, most of our diamonds have been rated by GIA. If it exists, a copy of the certificate should be readily available and should also be given to you upon purchase. The certificates provide an unbiased standard of credibility and accuracy.
5. Read The Dealer’s Return Policy
Though we are extremely confident that you will leave with the diamond ring of your dreams, Jack Weir & Sons offers a 7-day return policy for a full cash refund, as well as a 30-day return for store credit. If there is no written return policy that honors both the customer and the seller, this is probably not the place to make such an important purchase.
6. Check The Seller’s Online Reviews
Thankfully, we live in an age of online reviews. A simple Google search and online reviews can often give far more insight into a given company’s track record, customer service and history than anything they tell you themselves. Use your own discretion here, as a single bad online review can paint an unfairly negative picture, just as a lone, sparklingly positive review can paint a wrongly positive picture of a given company. Overall, patterns begin to emerge. Look at multiple retailers and use your best judgment. Generally, the majority is correct. Also, visit their social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and note the responses there.
7. Don’t Hesitate to Contact Customer Service
Do not hesitate to reach out to the prospective seller directly for any questions that may arise. You are a valued customer, and no question is unnecessary or a waste of time. If you feel that you are being rushed, belittled or -- for whatever reason -- the answers you receive do not satisfy you, please move to another company. Ultimately, you want to make a purchase that you are happy with for many years to come. Any help that you can receive to make the best possible selection should be given.
These are just a few points to consider when purchasing a diamond or gem online. Please feel free to reach out to us at sales@jackweirandsons.com or 310-276-1280 with any other questions.
