Any man who has ever shopped for a diamond for the woman he loves knows the frustration of trying to make sense out of shopping for a “blind item” where even most sellers don't fully understand the product and its complexity.
Sad to say, it's a statistical fact that of all the sellers of diamonds in the U.S., less than 5% have gemological training . . . . and an even smaller percentage are actually accredited gemologists with professional titles such as Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser.
This “blind leading the blind” situation encourages fictitious pricing where a highly inflated “retail price” is placed on the diamond and then deeply “discounted” to make it appear like a bargain. And that practice is increasing with Internet selling where the seller's credentials and reputation are not known. Those sellers may be here today and gone tomorrow, as many have already demonstrated. And of course, there is no recourse.
Your best protection is to buy from an established jeweler with a reputation to protect. You should insist on seeing credentials (Certified Gemologist and Certified Gemologist Appraiser* are the highest titles) as well as a written guarantee of specific quality and value. This written guarantee should be notarized for legal protection. A legitimate and qualified jeweler will be happy to show you his/her certificates and put in writing anything they tell you verbally.
* It’s helpful to know the names of the legitimate gemological titles and what they mean:
- GEMOLOGIST
- A generic uncontrolled title that can be used by anyone with a desire to set up shop and sell jewels. By itself, it says nothing about the seller’s competence or ethics. Ask more questions and examine credentials.
- GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST
- Signifies a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, which offers various levels of gemological training.
- REGISTERED JEWELER
- An American Gem Society title conferred on individuals who have proven gemological knowledge and who adhere to the AGS' rigid ethical code of business conduct. The title is for one year at a time and must be re-earned each year.
- CERTIFIED GEMOLOGIST
- This more advanced AGS title requires additional study in diamonds and color gemstones as well as the mastery of sophisticated testing procedures. The CG must adhere to the rigid AGS ethical code and the title must be re-earned each year.
- CERTIFIED GEMOLOGIST APPRAISER
- This is the most advanced title in the industry and is the highest title offered by the AGS. This is a Board Certified title that requires passage of both the RJ and CG titles as well as more advanced training and experience in determining the value as well as the identity and quality of gemstones. Re-certification as well as Color Vision testing must be passed each year to keep this title current. This title was created in 1983 and William G. Underwood, the founder of Underwoods, was one of that first group of 29 gemologists from the U.S. and Canada to be Board Certified with this new advanced title. He was the first CGA in Arkansas.