Precautions Before The Final Sale

When you have come out with your choice of loose diamond make sure the jeweler specifies the following on the bill of sale.

1.) Weight of the diamond.
2.) Dimensions of the diamond.
3.) Clarity, Color & Cut of diamond.
4.) Return agreement.

The return agreement should be specifically written on the receipt by the jeweler or individual selling you the diamond or diamond ring. The following notation or something similar to it should be specifically noted on the bill of sale:

I have the opportunity to take the diamond or diamond ring to my own independent gemologist for an appraisal. I may return the diamond or diamond ring for a full refund should I not be satisfied with the independent appraisal.

Specify a time limit so that the jeweler or person selling you the diamond or diamond ring knows where he stands. I would recommend doing the independent appraisal the same or following day. Before you pick up the ring from the jewelry
store make arrangements with an independent gemologist to bring the diamond to him after you pick it up from the store.
The jewelry store may tell you that they are supplying you with an independent appraisal anyway. However, the fact that the jewelry store is supplying you with the appraisal means that it is no longer independent.

You MUST obtain YOUR OWN independent appraisal from your own independent gemologist. Furthermore, the jeweler is NOT TO KNOW who will be doing the appraisal. When you go to the gemologist and present the ring to him, just hand him the ring BUT NOT the ring in the store box. If you present the ring in the box and the box has the store name then the gemologist will know which store you bought it from and this could bias his appraisal.

If you are presenting the gemologist with the loose diamond then just hand him the loose diamond and not the wrapping paper that it's in. The diamond wrapping sleeve usually has the store's information about the diamond on it specifically the clarity, color and cut. You do not want the gemologist to read all this information. This could bias his appraisal. Just remember to hand the gemologist the loose diamond before leaving with the diamond or ring to get it independently appraised. Be familiar with the diamond, know exactly where the inclusions are and make sure that the diamond is not chipped or damaged. Have the jeweler do his own inclusion plot and have him/her initial the work and then check their work.

You want to protect yourself from being accused of returning with a different diamond. This rarely ever happens but it's certainly worth your while to take these extra precautions.

Once you have the loose diamond exercise caution. Keep it in the original package given to you by the jeweler except of course when you hand the loose diamond to the independent gemologist since you do not want him to see the information written on the diamond sleeve or wrapper. Put the original package in a larger envelope so that it does not get lost or misplaced. Know where it is at all times.