Denny Reinke

How much money should you budget for an engagement diamond ring? There is no single answer to that question because everyone’s situation is different. The budget that is right for the diamond shopper depends on a variety of issues and the wise shopper assesses budget considerations before making their purchase decision.

A certification is a diamond industry term for a diamond grading report, which documents the diamond’s credentials. The certification describes the physical characteristics of a diamond and is usually prepared by an independent grading laboratory. It is a valuable tool for wholesalers, retailers and consumers because it states the diamond’s shape, exact measurements and weight, cut parameters, color grade, clarity grade, level of fluorescence, and finish grades.

Diamond shoppers typically want a diamond that is big, bright and has lots of sparkle. Yet when they go to the jewelry store, the attention seems to be on carat weight, color and clarity. What is diamond clarity and how does it influence the beauty of the diamond?

Diamonds can be found in every color of the rainbow from clear, colorless (white) to black as coal. Learn what color grades, fluorescence, and color treatments mean to the diamond shopper.

So how does the typical diamond or jewelry shopper determine which retailer is reputable and trustworthy? There is no single sure way to identify a trustworthy and reputable jewelry retailer but there are some excellent indicators. Shopping for a diamond or expensive jewelry item has always been a daunting task but an expensive purchase warrants doing your homework and research so you can make the best decisions possible.

Most advertising campaigns by De Beers feature their famous slogan "A Diamond is Forever." Consequently, women seldom sell a diamond and often feel uncomfortable buying diamonds previously owned by other women.

Platinum has become a popular choice for jewelry due to its strength, durability, and marketing efforts of the platinum industry in recent years. Platinum is three times more expensive than gold.

Jewelry insurance comes in many forms and varieties and only an insurance agent can provide accurate and specific advice. However, it helps to know enough about jewelry insurance to ask your agent the right questions and to be aware of how the process works.