Jeweler Q and A: I am considering
a dinner ring in 14K gold with 5 pear shaped diamonds on the
top and several baguettes on the sides. Diamonds equal about
1 carat. Price about $2,000. What should I be asking the jeweler?
-- Frances D., NH, USA
Our site is
geared toward the major purchase of a diamond engagement ring,
so most of the information is about single, larger, loose diamonds.
However, you should
ask many of the same questions when buying a ring with smaller
diamonds, as well.
Start by assessing the
jeweler. If you can answer *yes* to the 13 questions in our article,
How
to Choose a Dealer,
then chances are that the jeweler will be selling at a good price
for what they sell.
Also, you need to make
some decisions about quality for this ring, in the same way you
might for a larger diamond. Read our article, How to Decide On the 4 Cs in
Minutes to help
you decide quickly.
One additional comment:
we don't think it is necessary to stay with very fine stones
when buying a dinner ring (decorative) as opposed to the emotionally
important engagement ring. If you stay at I-1 clarity or better
and I-J color or better, you will enjoy the beauty.
But don't stop there.
Ask the following questions to be sure you know what you are
getting and whether you will receive the service you need.
What clarity are
the diamonds?
Recommend I-1 or higher for decorative rings.
What color are the
diamonds?
Recommend I-J color or higher for decorative rings.
What is the exact
carat weight of the diamonds?
If they don't know or say, we don't recommend buying there. But
if you have other reasons to respect the jeweler, some fine stores
generalize this. If so, you can bet that the weight is under
1.00 -- more likely between .95 -.98 or so total weight. It is
legal and acceptable to call such a ring a "1-carat"
total weight, so as long as you know this you can make your own
decision.
Do they guarantee
the prongs with regular checkups?
If you wear a ring, and it is made of a soft, pliable metal like
gold, it will wear down a little in time or the prongs can break.
Many of the best stores will guarantee the setting against wear
and tear and replace a lost diamond or at least fix the prongs
for free with regular checkups at that store. Find out if this
is offered. If so, it is likely a good place to shop.
Hope this helps. Any
further questions, use our Ask Your Own Question link below.
Robert Hensley
President
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