The professionals at Ro,Ma Jewelers want each of their customers to make informed decisions when choosing a diamond so that they are not only satisfied with their purchase, but that they fully understand the product they are purchasing.
Selecting a diamond can be a daunting task as there are many things to take into consideration.
Certified diamonds are stones that have been formally appraised and their value is based on the four C’s; cut, clarity, color and carat weight. When buying a diamond, it is important to recognize that diamonds are graded differently from laboratory to laboratory. For example, buying a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certified stone versus a European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) certified stone or an uncertified stone would affect price. “GIA is the most well known and respected laboratory,” states owner Ramzi Azar. “A GIA stone is the most coveted, and the pinnacle of our industry, but it is also the stone with the least amount of room to negotiate on price, therefore making it one of the more expensive purchases.” Having a GIA certification, assures that your stone has been accurately certified by lab technicians and has passed through several people that precisely grade it over a few weeks time. GIA adheres to the highest standards when grading diamonds.
The grading standards used by the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) take only a few days. While it may be less rigorous than GIA due to the time spent grading, EGL certifications are popular among consumers due to purchase price, as EGL stones are more readily available. Furthermore, the quick turnaround time for grading a stone can be a convenient method for a consumer to accurately realize their stone’s quality. “EGL certifications are respected but they will not be as coveted as a GIA stone, as more time is dedicated with a GIA certification. EGL is, however, fairly close,” states Ramzi.
You can also purchase a non-certified stone from a reputable jeweler. If the diamond is not certified, you will have to rely on the seller’s knowledge of diamonds. While certification matters to a buyer because it provides verification of a diamond’s quality and origin, buying an uncertified diamond can be cost effective when purchasing a stone from a seller who is well versed in diamonds and can appraise the stone for you.
“It is up to the consumer which direction they want to go in,” states Ramzi. “And we are here for them every step of the way. We have everything in stock, from certified diamonds to uncertified diamonds, and our wide selection allows customers to find the right diamonds that fit the budget and manifest their visions for the perfect ring.”
Ramzi continues, “We give every customer a 15 minute tutorial and go over the positive and negatives of buying all three types of stones.” Since a diamond is a large investment, it is important to make an educated decision and the professionals at Ro,Ma Jewelers are there to guide you.
For more information about Ro,Ma Jewelers, call 661-254-6414 or visit www.romajewelers.com.