Ep 45: Shop For Diamonds With Your Eyes, Not Your Ears: My Answer to a Listener's Question
In this episode I discuss a listener's questions and concerns about buying a lab grown diamond online, among other things.
He had already gone "ring lookin'" with his girlfriend and had a solid budget and preference for lab-grown diamonds. However, he was unsure about purchasing without physically seeing the diamonds and was concerned about the accuracy of diamond reports.
I explained that diamond reports from organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI) provide important information about a diamond's 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight). However, these reports do not capture the full essence of the diamond.
I emphasized the importance of buying with your eyes, not your ears, and recommended physically visiting a local jeweler to collaborate in person. I know this might seem like a hassle, but it would save both time and money in the long run.
I also address the allure of online shopping, highlighting that there is a hidden cost to consumers in the form of unnecessary time spent deciphering varying prices for seemingly identical items. I sound like a broken record (an outdated phrase I suppose) but independent jewelry stores remain the best option for making this kind of investment, because of their personal service and trustworthiness.
I can say that buying online, if that's your thing, is most effective when you do so from a known and trusted source, preferably an independent jewelry store with a physical presence.
You know what that does? It helps keep the excitement alive in your jewelry-buying journey because the best way to buy diamonds and fine jewelry is with their eyes and not your ears. (You can go in and see the jewelry for yourself. In the end, it speeds things up and keeps things nice and easy like...)
If you'd like help finding a jeweler closer to home, email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com and I'll do my best to put you in touch with some of the best jewelers on earth.
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify.
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