Your first diamond is often a prized possession as it has value beyond money. It is also about emotions. You will love subsequent purchases too, but the first one is always the most special. But shopping for diamonds is often overwhelming for first-timers. The prices may sound exorbitant, and you may probably feel like skipping the purchase. After all, everyone has a budget, and it makes sense to stick to it. Moreover, you may also feel anxious about the quality expectations with gemstones.
While the entire journey sounds daunting, buying your first diamond may be easier than you imagine. You need not be an expert to assess the quality of the stone and ensure that the price is valid. Moreover, you can add it to your collection without breaking the bank. All you need is some research and guidance from experts to set yourself for a smart buy. Here are some easy tricks that can save you from spending a fortune.
Set your limit right from the start
This one is a no-brainer because you need to have a budget to stick to it. Not deciding your limits right from the start can easily have you spending too much on your first diamond. Just imagine walking into a store or accessing an online website without a budget in mind. There are good chances you will fall in love with something and buy it on impulse, only to regret it later. It is vital to have a dollar figure in mind before starting your shopping journey. Some initial research will give you an idea of the kind of products you can expect to get realistically within your price range. It will help you steer clear of overspending as a beginner. It is a rule you must follow even when you add more diamonds to your collection.
Look for the right shape
As a first-time buyer, you will be surprised to know that the shape of the stone affects its price. You may confuse shape with cut, but they are both different. The shape is the general silhouette of the stone, while the cut refers to its facet arrangement. Round diamonds are the most popular among buyers, but they are also the most expensive. You can easily topple your budget if you are stuck to the idea of picking only a round gem. An oval diamond can bring significant savings over a round gem of the same quality. It means you can stay within your budget range by simply opting for a different design. Explore around, and you can easily find an incredible one that matches your taste and wallet size.
Go custom with designs
Another good idea to secure cost savings with your first diamond is to opt for custom designs. The custom approach lets you own a dream design without worrying about the cost. You can get the product you want with a smaller diamond that differs slightly in color to save up a fortune. You can even settle for a gemstone with slight inclusions because they are often not visible to the naked eye. But they cost much less than flawless options. All you need to do is find a seller that offers custom designs in products, and you are good to go. Pick a diamond and get it set in a design that your favorite celebrity owns, and you need not worry about the price.
Switch up the metal
If you plan to buy diamond jewelry, you have an excellent option to save some dollars. Just switch up the metal below, and get a ring or necklace that does not cost a fortune. Platinum is the most expensive metal for crafting precious jewelry. Owning it sounds like a good idea, but it can make your diamond unaffordable too. You can pick gold instead of platinum to stay within your price range. Opting for 14 K instead of 18 K gold can easily trim the bill beyond your imagination. Just choose your metal wisely, and you can get a step closer to your first diamond.
Buy from a reputed seller
The American market is flooded with diamond vendors and jewelry stores. Brands and wholesalers sell online and at brick-and-mortar locations. Whether you live in New York, Los Angeles, or Dallas, you must list your options before getting started. Look for sellers who deal in wholesale diamonds in dallas or wherever you live. Online shopping even removes the confines of location as you can order and buy from anywhere. It is a good idea to explore a reputed seller online because you may get some incredible deals and discounts. The best part is that you can even check reviews of actual buyers to have a fair idea about their credibility. Do check their terms and conditions and return and exchange before going ahead.
Avoid focusing on the carat weight
As a first-time buyer, you may focus too much on the carat weight of the stone. It is easy to fall for the bait because everyone seems to be obsessed with this number. Carat weight isn’t only a statement of size like you believe. Although it is a good indication of size, this number does not determine the visual size alone. The size of the stone also depends on its measurements, including the length, width, and diameter of the diamond. Since diamonds are billed by weight, you will have to shell out much more by opting for whole carats. The best way to cut costs is by picking stones just below common weights. For example, a diamond with a carat weight of 0.96 can cost much less than a one-carat piece. While you may save thousands, it is hard to tell a difference visually.
Color grade can save you money
First-time diamond shoppers often have inadequate information, and there are good chances of misunderstanding things. For example, a color grade of G to I will keep you within budget. These grades have a touch of color, but they may seem colorless to the untrained eye. Some stone shapes let you go even below these color grades and still get beautiful, colorless options. Get your facts clear, and you are all set for the best stones that fit within the budget.
Never compromise with quality
The final piece of advice for shopping for your first diamond is to never compromise with quality, even as you want to save up. It makes sense to wait a bit and save up more rather than settle for a low-quality stone. Basic education about the 4Cs of diamond quality gets you a good start when it comes to finding a quality stone within your budget limit. You can learn more about factors like color, cut, clarity, and carat weight to have realistic expectations.
Buying your first diamond is a thrilling experience, but you must steer clear of mistakes and focus on doing everything right. Small things make a big difference to the diamond price, so ensure you know your facts right. You may settle for a slightly smaller size or color difference but never compromise with quality. Follow these rules, and you can make your first experience the best one. Don’t hesitate about your first-buy, and seek expert advice when you need it.
