When purchasing a diamond online, it is important to know what characteristics of such a purchase are significant and what questions to ask to make sure you get what you are looking for or maybe even get something better than you thought you could!

So, what are some ways in which you can be a smarter shopper when you’re online browsing the many prospective companies and providers of jewelry and diamonds? The first step is education – and when you have the right knowledge and the right information to assist you in your consumer pursuits, you are better able to make the right decisions regarding diamonds and other such precious products.

The first important criteria for determining the value of diamonds online – much like with any other shopping scenario involving diamonds – are the four C’s. These are cut, color, clarity, and carat. At The Jewelry Exchange, however, we added a fifth C, and that is cost. Whether you’re looking for diamond engagement rings, wedding or engagement bands, bracelets, or any other product with diamonds, take into account these five vital factors professionals use to assess the value of their diamonds.

While the “four C’s” are important when choosing a certified diamond, there are alternatives to shopping for Diamonds. One of those alternatives is purchasing a non-certified diamond. There is no physical difference between a diamond that is certified and one that is not. A certificate does not change the look of a diamond in any way. The difference between a certified and non-certified diamond is that, with the certified diamond, you have tangible, binding assurances as to the exact quality of the diamond.

A certified diamond comes with a diamond grading report. This report assures the customer that the diamond is independently recognized as possessing all the qualities specified by that report. The diamonds featured on www. Jewelryexchange.com are both certified and non-certified. When you buy a non-certified diamond from The Jewelry Exchange, you are getting a diamond with beauty and sparkle at half the price of a certified diamond. Try our loose diamonds database to find GIA, AGS and EGL certified diamonds, as well as one of the largest selections of non-certified diamonds.

A non-certified diamond is not accompanied by a diamond grading report, and therefore we do NOT list a color or clarity grading for non-certified diamonds, whether in our build jewelry or loose diamonds. However, we do have personal shoppers that are willing to help you chose the diamond that you will not only love, but that will fit your budget- simply call 800-441-0715. A diamond that is not certified does not take away from the beauty or value of the diamond and in most cases it allows the consumer lower prices than certified diamonds.

A non-certified diamond is not a bad diamond. It can be, and is most oftentimes, as beautiful as its certified counterparts. We encourage our customers to buy both non-certified and certified diamonds.

The cost is somewhat of a fusion of the above factors, taking into account more specific matters, such as EGL or other certifications. Consider all these criteria when shopping for diamonds online and you’ll be headed in the right direction in no time!