Telling the Difference Between a Cubic Zirconia and a Real Diamond
March 24, 2017The Differences Between 10k, 14k, and 1k Yellow Gold
April 16, 2017Beware of Cheap Engagement Rings and Diamonds
This page contains references to diamonds or engagement rings from different companies. Sometimes I do receive a commission when you click on links and buy the products.
It’s easy to get swept up with the excitement of it all, and diamonds, even fake ones, can make anyone’s eyes glisten. Before you know it, you could be home with a fake engagement ring or fake diamond, or you could have a real one but have paid over the odds for it.
A wedding is a huge event, and a costly one too, and we know that it’s sometimes important to compromise on certain aspects. Cheap engagement rings are often one of the first places that grooms start, but with a cheaper price tag can also come a fake diamond, a dubious seller and a lower quality stone.
The engagement ring is going to be something that the person you propose to both remembers and keeps for life. Don’t let it be a low quality or fake engagement ring!
A famous mantra that is good to live by is “if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is”. It is worth noting that diamonds are global commodities, meaning that they are generally priced the same throughout the world. That means that you simply won’t find an amazing deal on a specific diamond that isn’t being offered at that price elsewhere.
You may, of course, be looking at more affordable engagement rings and diamonds and there’s nothing wrong with that however the quality won’t be the same. We’re simply trying to lay out a guide to make readers wary of buying what they think is a bargain deal on what they also think should have been an expensive diamond.
Cheap Engagement Rings and Cheap Diamond Businesses
The internet is an amazing thing, and we’ve no doubt that it’s changed your life in more ways than one. But, unfortunately, it has also led to the rise of scam dealers, and con artists .
If you see any websites offering “discount diamonds” or “cheap diamonds”, be careful. Diamonds and engagement rings aren’t wholesale items that are bought in bulk; they are expensive, premium products.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) was established to make sure that those manufacturing and selling jewelry comply with all the necessary rules and regulations, but also so that buyers can be informed on what to look out for.
The JVC have said that any jewelers claiming to offer diamonds or engagement rings at wholesale prices are actually breaking the law by violating the Lanham Act.
If you have found a cheaper engagement ring or cheaper diamond, quite simply the diamond is likely to be of lower quality. Some retailers and diamonds will be up front about the quality of their diamond, but if a store is offering “cheap diamonds” or “cheap engagement rings” by claiming they have wholesale prices, then the chances are it is of an inferior quality.
Further still, many sellers of these cheap goods actually whack on a high price tag, therefore making even more money off of a cheap product.
Signs of Cheap Engagement Rings and Diamonds
There are a few things you must always look out for when shopping around for diamonds and engagement rings.
Uncertified diamonds
Uncertified diamonds haven’t been verified and given a seal of approval by the professionals. Some sellers claim they can sell cheaper diamonds by avoiding this process, but this also allows them to exaggerate the grade of that diamond.
Certification
If companies and sellers can fake all manner of intricate products such as watches, then it’s hardly surprising that certification can be faked too. Or, rather than being faked, sellers can go to great lengths to have legitimate certification, but it may be from their own dubious labs.
We recommend only buying diamonds which are GIA or AGS certified, because these are well-known and reputable diamond graders. Those selling cheap engagement rings or diamonds tend to use other certifiers, which also means that a higher grade is generally applied to the diamond than it deserves. Learn more about certification and it’s importance here.
Sales policies
You should ALWAYS check the sales policies of anything you are purchasing, whether it’s engagement rings, diamonds or any other product for that matter. Cheap sellers often try to hide misleading and unfair agreements in the terms and conditions, and once you’ve bought the product there is not much that can be done.
The standard sales policy is for a full-refund to be offered within 30 days of purchasing, and we would recommend only going with sellers who offer this.
What if I want a more affordable engagement ring or diamond?
If you are looking at going for a more affordable option, then that’s no problem at all. Avoid all of these sellers who claim to have “cheap deals”, and stick with reputable jewelers who have affordable options. Contact me directly for independent advice and tips selecting a diamond.
Some ways to make your engagement ring or diamond more affordable are by:
- Reducing the size of the diamond – for example if you’re looking for a 1 carat diamond, try to get a very well Cut 80 or 90 pointer. A very well cut one can look larger than a poorly cut 1 carat diamond
- Have a less extravagant setting design – many companies offer Tiffany style rings for example like this Platinum Vatche U-113 6-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring.
- Use a different metal setting. For example, white gold is much cheaper than platinum but still looks elegant (most people can’t even tell the difference).
Finding the perfect engagement ring or diamond
Purchasing an engagement ring or a diamond for an engagement ring will be one of the most important purchases that you ever make. Don’t get pulled in by the lure of “cheap” deals. If you want an affordable option, then that’s no problem at all.
As budget is important when it comes to buying an engagement ring, you need to ask yourself is having a brand name more important than quality? If price is the biggest factor head to Blue Nile or James Allen, but if quality is what you are looking for then head to Whiteflash with their A CUT ABOVE Diamonds. All have a huge host of search options to ensure that you can find the perfect engagement ring or diamond.