5 questions to ask when shopping for diamond jewellery

Diamond jewellery is a great gift to buy at any time of the year, either for yourself or for a loved one. For someone who has never bought diamond jewellery before, however, the entire process can seem quite daunting. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be difficult, if you ask the right questions. So, here are our top 5 questions to ask when you’re shopping for diamond jewellery.

1)      What is my budget?

As with any major purchase, having a clear idea of how much you are able and willing to spend is a vital step to take. You want to be able to get the best possible item for your budget, so knowing what your limit is before going shopping is a huge help. It may also be worthwhile checking how eligible you are for Interest Free Credit as this is a great option if you want to spread the cost over months or years.

2)      How long has the retailer been in business?

Once you have decided on your budget and have started looking into different jewellers, don’t be afraid to ask about their background. Dealing with a jewellers with a long history and heritage specialising in diamonds will make sure that you will get expert advice and the best service and product possible.

3)      How do these diamonds grade against the 4 Cs?

The four Cs – colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight – are an internationally recognised way of grading the quality of any diamonds. The colour rating looks at the absence of colour in a diamond – the less colour in a diamond, the better. Clarity looks at any inclusions or blemishes the stone may have – again, the fewer, the better. Cut focuses on how well the diamond's facets interact with light, and carat weight relates to the weight of the diamond. For more information, have a look at our in-depth guide to the four Cs.

4)      Do you offer any finance options?

Diamond jewellery is an investment, and some people may be put off by some of the larger price tags associated with diamonds. This doesn’t need to be an issue though, as a reputable jeweller should offer some form of finance options, allowing you to pay for your jewellery in smaller, monthly installments.

5)      What is your returns policy?

It is always important to research the retailers returns policy before you buy; it is also worth noting that many retailers polices vary if you make your purchase in store or online. For example we at Laings of Glasgow offer an in store exchange for up to 28 days, whereas our online counterpart  www.laingsuk.com offers a 14 day exchange or refund - this excludes earrings and custom made items. Since online retailers are bound by distance selling regulations you may sometimes find a little more flexibility with them and may be worth choosing to buy online instead of in store if you want the safety-net of a money back refund. Always ask your jeweller what their policy is so you are fully aware of your options before making a purchase.