Guide to buying a diamond

03.Buying advice

When choosing a diamond, follow the following steps:

• Look for jewellers that are members of the Jewellers Association of Australia and/or the Diamond Guild Australia — both have a code of ethics committing members to ethical selling practices.
• Ask questions — a good jeweller will spend some time with you and help you find a diamond you like and that’s in your price range.
• Specifically ask if the diamond has been treated and what are the ramifications of the treatment.
• Make sure you can examine the diamond in good light.
• If you’re looking for a diamond of 0.5 carat or more, ask for a grading certificate from an independent laboratory.
• Shop around — different stores sometimes price similar stones very differently.
• Once you pay a deposit, get a detailed receipt describing the characteristics of the diamond and jewellery.
• Get a valuation certificate from a valuer registered with the National Council of Jewellery Valuers.

Dodgy deals

Take your business elsewhere if:

• The salesperson tells you you’re getting a huge discount on the stated value of the stone.
• Prices are just too cheap to be true and no reliable certification is available.
• What’s promised in advertising material isn’t available in the shop.