Jul 15 2011
Beware Of Diamond Scams
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There are numerous scams you need to avoid when it comes to diamonds. Most scams are minor, but there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds. Because most people who buy diamonds don’t really know much about them for whatever reasons, scams therefore occur. And that’s why they are easily fooled.
Most jewelry stores would participate in a common scam which is called the Carat Total weight scam. Instead of listing the total weight separately for each diamond, the total carat weight of all diamonds in the piece, usually a ring, is stated on the tag on the piece of jewelry. This leads consumers to believe that the main diamond in the piece is actually bigger than it is. What you need to do is ask what the total carat weight of the center stone is. Fractions are what you also need to watch out for. Jewelry stores are allowed to round off diamond weights. If a jeweler will tell you that it is a ¾ carat diamond, then this means that it’s probably between ½ and ¾ carat but closer to ¾.
Jewelry stores often run ‘fluorescence’ scams to varying degrees. It’s considered a scam to refer to a diamond as a blue-white diamond. It sounds very unique and special when it’s called a blue-white diamond but the truth is, even though the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special, this type of diamond is of lesser quality. Showing their diamonds in bright lights is another thing jewelry stores like to do. Lights make diamonds shine. Ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well.
Some truly unscrupulous jewelers target those who want appraisals on diamonds that were given to them as gifts or that were purchased elsewhere. They will offer to take it off your hands or trade it for a much better diamond along with the cash to make up the difference after they have tried to tell you that the diamond is worthless or worth less than it is actually worth. This is called low balling. Before you take any action, get a second, third, or even a fourth opinion first.
Another common dirty trick is to switch the diamond you have chosen and paid for with one of lesser quality and value when you leave it to be set in a piece of jewelry, or leave a diamond ring to be sized. You’re going to have to do business with one trustworthy jeweler if you want to avoid this. Jewelers that you have not done business with in the past should be avoided.
There are jewelry stores that would commonly pull on many more scams on unsuspecting customers. Using your best judgment and purchasing your diamonds with the utmost care and consideration is the only thing you can do.
Author bio: Writer Melanie Hewitt is a dog enthusiast. If you’re looking for the pick of the litter, check these English bulldog puppies for sale. These litters of English bulldogs for sale are wrinkly with a massive nose rope and overdone. One of these classic dogs is perfect for your family.
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