Why buy online? The biggest draw to buying a diamond online is the price. Online jewelers travel to South America, Europe, Africa, and Russia to select quality rough diamonds, which they bring back to polishing facilities. After expert cutters polish the diamond to bring out its beauty and value, the diamond goes directly from the jeweler to you, which removes the cost of a middleman (i.e., high quality, low price). There is also the convenience factor of researching and choosing the perfect stone right from your computer.

Is it safe? While you may be nervous about buying such a precious and expensive gem online, a reputable company will give you up to a month to evaluate your diamond so you can get the stone appraised and return it for a refund if you?re not satisfied. It?s also important that the company gives you certification of your diamond from a highly-regarded laboratory, such as the EGL, AGS, GIA or AGSL. Certification is a diamond-grading report by an official gemologist who has analyzed the dimensions, clarity, cut, color, finish, and symmetry under a microscope.

Any more tips? We suggest you study up on the four C?s (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) online before you shop, and search for the best quality diamond that you can get from your budget (don?t forget to factor in how much your setting will cost). Let the shopping begin!