15 Essential Questions to Ask Your Jeweler Before Buying a Diamond
By
Tiffany Moore , Wednesday, January 08, 2025
Customers are wise to be cautious when making expensive purchases for emotionally important items, whether on the internet or in brick and mortar stores.
When purchasing a diamond, it’s crucial to be well-informed about every aspect of the process, from the quality of the diamond to its certification and performance. By asking the right questions, you can choose a diamond that meets your aesthetic preferences as well as your budget.
Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of key questions to ask when buying a diamond, covering topics such as certification, light performance, and pricing.
Whiteflash believes that a transparent, knowledgeable, and supportive shopping experience is crucial to finding the perfect diamond. The following are some of the most important questions to ask your jeweler before buying a diamond. Keep these in mind when making this significant purchase!
Certification
Can I See The Diamond Grading Report?
The certification process ensures transparency, verifies the authenticity of the diamond, and helps you make an informed choice - particularly when purchasing online - in an environment where trust and accuracy are of utmost importance.
How Does the Diamond Perform on Light Performance Reports Like ASET or Ideal-Scope?
By examining how well the diamond interacts with light, these tools reveal any issues, such as light leakage or poor facet precision, that may negatively impact the diamond's light performance.
The
Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool (ASET) from the American Gem Society (AGS) is an ingeniously simple device that quickly provides a wealth of information about how a diamond is handling light.
Can You Provide Documentation About Diamond Origin?
It is generally not possible to determine the country of origin independently. Due to diamond's pure carbon composition, only very sophisticated tests can sometimes reveal unique characteristics that are
indicative of one source versus another. Most rough diamonds are distributed to manufacturers in specific assortments of sizes and qualities which requires mixing of crystals from a variety of mines.
In truth, even the most confident statement by a manufacturer cannot be considered a guarantee, since independent verification is either impossible or inconclusive. It is still important to ask this question, since it sheds light on a jeweler’s approach to ethical issues involved in the diamond industry.
All diamonds sold by Whiteflash have been purchased from legitimate, ethical sources operating in strict compliance with United Nations Resolutions and not involved in funding conflicts. We deal only with suppliers who explicitly warrant that their diamonds have been brought to market in accordance with the
Kimberley Process.
The 4C’s
What Is the Cut Grade of This Diamond, and How Does It Affect Brilliance?
An important factor determining a diamond's
brilliance is its cut grade. In other words, it describes how well a diamond has been faceted and shaped to maximize its sparkle. A diamond with a higher cut grade, such as "Excellent" or "Ideal," reflects light in the most optimal way, resulting in superior brilliance.
At Whiteflash, we specialize in diamonds with exceptional cut quality, and our
A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Diamonds are renowned for their precision, fire and brilliance. To achieve the highest degree of light performance, these diamonds have been meticulously crafted so they have an exceptional sparkle and shine.
Our A CUT ABOVE® diamonds undergo rigorous assessments to ensure they deliver the highest performance, giving you a stunning diamond that captures light from every angle.
To ensure that you fully understand the cut quality of our diamonds, we provide comprehensive light performance reports and images to help you visualize how the diamond will perform. This way, you can make an informed decision based on both the laboratory grading and the diamond’s actual light performance.
What Is the Color Grade, and Can You Show Me the Difference Between Grades?
Diamond Color as seen from the side
Color grading measures the presence of body color in a diamond, with diamonds graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). When a diamond has a higher color grade, it is closer to being colorless (DEF), which gives it an icy brilliance.
When you ask to see the differences between grades, you can better assess how slight changes in color can affect the diamond's look and decide which grade is most suitable for your needs.
In order to help you choose the best diamond for your preferences and budget, Whiteflash is happy to show you the visual differences between the different color grades.
What Is the Clarity Grade, and Are the Inclusions Visible to the Naked Eye?
Clarity grading assesses the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. A higher clarity grade indicates fewer visible inclusions. We provide clarity grades ranging from Flawless (no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) to Slightly Included (inclusions easily visible under 10x magnification but in most cases invisible to the naked eye.)
Asking this can help you understand the clarity grade and determine if any inclusions are noticeable without magnification, ensuring you choose the right diamond based on your preferences.
What Is the Carat Weight, and How Does It Compare in Size to Others With the Same Grade?
Carat weight refers to the weight of the diamond. While it’s an important factor, it doesn’t always directly correlate to the perceived size of a diamond, which can vary based on the diamond being cut.
With Whiteflash, you can see side-by-side comparisons of diamonds with the same carat weight but different cuts or proportions, so you can find the best balance of size and quality.
This page gives you a quick overview of the things you need to be thinking about as you shop for a diamond. It provides real-world practical advice as well as links to detailed information.
Our Diamond Buying Guide is a great place to start your journey!
Pricing and Value
Are There Comparable Options at Lower or Higher Price Points?
The purpose of asking this question is to ensure that you are getting the best value for your budget by exploring all options available to you. You can compare diamonds at different price points to determine which option is best for you without compromising quality.
With Whiteflash, you can choose from a wide selection of diamond options to suit your budget and preferences. We have options at different price points to suit any budget, whether you're looking for a
Collection Quality diamond or one of great overall value. Since we specialize in precision cut diamonds, even the lower priced options will excel in sparkle.
Our
A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Diamonds are some of the finest diamonds available, with precision cutting and exceptional brilliance. However, we also offer other highly graded diamonds in our
Expert Selection and wider inventory, which provide excellent quality at a more accessible price.
You can always rely on our GIA-trained diamond consultants to help you find the perfect diamond for your budget and preference, ensuring that you are getting the best value for your money. Whatever your budget is, we're here to help you find the perfect diamond for you.
How Does the Price of a Lab-Grown Diamond Compare to a Natural Diamond of Similar Quality?
This question helps you understand the price differences between these two types of diamonds, which can be significant! Lab-grown diamonds are much more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size, cut, color, and clarity because they are created in a controlled technological environment rather than randomly formed deep within the crust of the earth. Lab diamonds are real diamonds with essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds.
This price difference between natural and lab grown diamonds aids your decision-making process and gives you a choice in the diamond with the best value for your budget and sensibility, without compromising on quality and features.
While we specialize in natural mined diamonds of the finest cut quality, we also offer a very select inventory of precision cut hearts and arrows lab-grown diamonds, as well as providing other lab diamonds on request.
Our round brilliant lab diamonds are cut to exacting tolerances for optimal light performance and we provide a full set of diagnostics and light performance images on each detail page. You can browse our in-stock lab diamonds at
our Precision Lab page. If you have questions about lab grown diamonds or would like to place an order, please contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable diamond consultants by phone, chat or email.
Do You Provide a Trade-up Benefit on Diamonds?
It is important to ask about trade-up benefits on diamonds so that you can exchange your current diamond for a larger or better one in the future. Your diamond can be made a smarter long-term investment if you choose this policy, as you can apply your original investment toward an upgrade in the future.
All Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds come with a lifetime 100% trade-up benefit toward another A CUT ABOVE® diamond of 50% greater value. You will receive credit for the full price paid for the original diamond less shipping cost.
Credibility
Do You Specialize in Specific Types of Diamonds or Cuts?
By asking a jeweler if they specialize in specific types of diamonds or cuts, you ensure that you are working with an expert who understands the nuances of diamond quality.
Specialization indicates a deeper knowledge of particular diamond characteristics, such as cut quality, facet precision, and light performance, all of which have a significant impact on a diamond's beauty and value.
It is a great way to determine whether the jeweler has unique, high-quality options that fit your preferences, and it gives you the confidence that they will be able to help you make the right choice.
We also offer certified hearts and arrows ideal cuts through our Expert Selection brand, along with a range of high-quality natural and lab-grown diamonds. With a focus on precision, quality, and transparency, every Whiteflash diamond undergoes thorough evaluation by gemologists, ensuring only the best for our customers.
This expertise extends to creating fine jewelry and collaborating with top designers to provide a brilliant diamond buying experience.
Can I See Reviews or Testimonials From Other Customers?
Before purchasing a diamond, it's always a good idea to check out reviews and testimonials from other customers. Insights from customer feedback are valuable in understanding the quality of the diamonds, the customer care experience, and the overall satisfaction.
Testimonials can reassure you about the jeweler's reliability and commitment to customer care, giving you an insight into the buying process, from product selection to delivery.
At Whiteflash, we take pride in the thousands of positive testimonials and reviews from our satisfied customers. Whether it’s the brilliance of our diamonds or the attention to detail in our customer care, our reviews speak volumes about the level of satisfaction we provide.
Do You Have In-House Gemologists for Consultations?
You want to ask this question to be sure you're getting expert advice directly from credentialed professionals who can guide you through the diamond-buying process with accuracy.
At Whiteflash, we have a team with GIA Diamond Graduates and Graduate Gemologists on staff and all of our diamond consultants, as well as most of our support staff, are GIA Accredited Jewelry Professionals, with others continuously achieving higher levels of certification.
At Whiteflash there is always a highly trained diamond professional available to answer your questions and to provide guidance.
Diamond Settings
What Types Of Settings Do You Offer, And Which Would Best Complement This Diamond?
Knowing what types of settings are available can help you select one that enhances the appearance of your diamond, protects it securely, and suits your style.
By working with a skilled jeweler, you can ensure the diamond's brilliance and aesthetics are maximized. They can help you choose settings that enhance the diamond's unique features, including its cut, shape, and size. Their recommendations also reflect their knowledge of design trends, structural durability, and how different settings impact the diamond's visual appeal.
Here at Whiteflash we are authorized distributors for some of the top designer brands including
Tacori,
Verragio,
Simon G,
Ritani,
Vatche and
Benchmark . If you do not find a particular style on our site made by one of these fine designers, just let us know and we will get it for you. We have access to the full inventories of all these fine brands.
Do You Offer Free Cleaning, Resizing, or Lifetime Maintenance?
The proper maintenance of diamond jewelry is both easy and important. The best way to ensure that diamonds perform at their peak and deliver maximum fire and brilliance is to clean them regularly. It is an inevitable outcome of everyday life that even the best diamonds will develop a film.
We provide full servicing for everything we sell at Whiteflash. All purchases are covered under our complimentary One Year Service Policy, which is part of the
Whiteflash Guarantee, offering great convenience and peace of mind. For additional information please see our
Jewelry Care Essentials page.
Get Answers From An Expert Jeweler
When making an important purchase, having confidence goes beyond simply getting a good deal on a quality product.
As an industry-leading diamond jeweler, Whiteflash is committed to assisting you in finding a diamond that works for you. We are committed to providing exceptional service and guidance to ensure that your diamond buying journey is seamless and enjoyable.
Offering exquisite diamonds, engagement rings, jewelry, and providing unparalleled customer care is what we do best at Whiteflash. We invite you to visit our showroom or browse our online collection to discover the perfect diamond - let us be a part of your journey to finding the diamond of your dreams.
We would be honored to answer all your diamond questions and help you find the perfect diamond that symbolizes your eternal bond and captures hearts for generations to come.