Buying Diamonds

When I purchase diamonds for my customers, I recommend beginning with a budget. You are most likely to be excited about giving your girlfriend an engagement ring if the price falls within a range that you consider reasonable.

1) Wholesalers

I sell conflict-free diamonds and gemstones from respected wholesalers within the industry. Diamonds over 1/2 carat are usually accompanied by a certificate and laser inscribed serial number. I work with around 10 different diamond dealers to source the right type of diamond for my customers. Recommended.

2) Major Retailers

It is very easy to buy diamonds online from major retailers.

The advantages:
-Large online dealers usually offer a fair price and full refunds for returns.
-You can complete your diamond shopping in under 10 minutes.
-You don’t have to pay sales tax from certain out-of-state dealers. Note: New York State charges sales tax from major online diamond vendors.

The disadvantages:
-You can’t easily compare diamonds when buying online.
-You may not know how to properly compare diamonds.
-It is difficult to trace the source of a diamond purchased online.
-Online dealers will not try to steer you away from inferior or overpriced diamonds (nor will most brick-and-mortar dealers, for that matter).
-Some of diamond’s sexy mystique is lost online.
-What diamond dealers list online is the stock that is easiest to sell to uninformed end consumers.

3) Diamond District

If you are in New York, one of the four largest diamond districts in the world sits on and around 47th St. between 5th & 6th. (Not recommended for novices.) You can baller your way up 5th Avenue, or visit one of the dozens of exceptional independent jewelry stores in Manhattan that sell loose diamonds.

Please note: I will not be responsible for any loss or damage to gemstones purchased from an outside supplier. You will be required to sign a waiver prior to setting your stone in my workshop.

Diamond Specifications

When it comes to setting your diamond in our workshop, there are a few factors beyond the “four C’s” that are important. Round diamonds are the easiest to set. Diamonds with significantly uneven girdles will be difficult for you to set. Highly included diamonds are more likely to break while setting. Really ugly diamonds will depress me and your girlfriend.

While the shape, size, and quality of a diamond are mostly a matter of taste, I highly recommend reading my diamond specification guide.

I also offer white, blue, yellow and pink cultured or lab-created diamonds as well as diamond alternatives like Moissanite, and other gemstones.