Kelley Jewelers Diamond Buying Tips
- Learn as much as you can about diamonds. See our website under education, then diamonds.
Kelley Jewelers' jewelry consultants are happy to show your the 4 "Cs" where actually seeing the difference will really help with your decision.
When you shop, ask to see the diamond under a microscope and you will be able to see if the diamond has any imperfections. If you see anything large, scrutinize the diamond with your eye to see if it is visible.
Ask to see the color of your diamond beside master color grading diamonds to compare. Lower grade diamonds have a yellow or brownish tone. An unset diamond is much easer to color grade. If the place you are shopping does ot want to show you this, why?
Does the measurement of the diameter of the diamond match industry standards for carat weight? If not, this indicates a poor cut and the diamond will look smaller and sparkle less.
We only sell diamonds with a very good cut, color, and clarity grade at Kelley's.
- Always trust your eye. If something about a diamond doesn't look quite right, believe your eyes!
A diamond looks best when it is clean and new, and small imperfections are much more visible after you wear the diamond and soap film and other materials stick to the back. At Kelley Jewelers, we rarely sell a diamond with an eye-visible inclusion and, if we do, we offer you a lower price option.
Our eduated staff will make sure you see any imperfections before you make your decision. A jeweler's loupe is difficult to use if you are not experienced. We are always glad to show you your diamond under the microscope and explain the characteristics prior to your purchase.
- What is the return policy? What is the warranty and guarantee? If for some reason you forget or are unable to have the diamond checked on a set schedule, is the warranty void? Does the company believe in the quality of their product enough to be generous with returns and warranty service?
At Kelley Jeweler's we are so sure of our product that our return policy is 90 days no questions asked with your money back in the same form you paid. Our warranty is one year under normal wear and when in our shop and we often warranty our jewelry up to two years or more. Manufacturing defects are covered for the lifetime of the jewelry.
- Compare the actual price you are paying for comparable quality. Large discounts indicate higher mark-ups, and big price differences may be a quality difference.
Brand name diamonds and jewelry may be the same as non-branded, but they cost much more for the brand name. At Kelley Jewelers we offer our own brand, with exceptional quality and styling without the "designer" price.
True wholesalers do not sell to the public so beware! Often they specialize in lower quality diamonds with problems easity discernable by an expert. This is the reason they appear to cost less. Often wholesalers offer no return policy or warranty if you discover a problem later. Service after the sale may be non-existent. Do not buy from someone you do not trust, especially if the deal sounds too good to be true. A cheap price is not always a bargain.
For over 75 years, people have trusted Kelley Jewelers for quality jewelry at the right price.
- If you are considering a purchase over the internet, from whom exactly are you purchasing? At Kelley Jewelers our buyers would never buy a diamond we could not inspect before purchasing, will you? Will you give them your money before you see the diamond? Will they sit down with you and show you different qualities and answer your questions so you can make an educated decision?
Reading about diamond grading is not the same as seeing the difference. If you don't like it when you see it, will they really give your money back? And, where are they anyway? Is the diamond you are purchasing the same one on the grading report or is the grading report a forgery? Will they send your diamond only for you to discover later it has been enhanced by filling surface cracks with a substance to hide them or laser drilled to bleach black spots white?
If you have to take the diamond somewhere else to be set, will they be responsible for breakage? Is it a man-made stone worth much less and how will you tell? Internet jewelers sell at a profit, and prices for comparable quality are the same as many brick and mortar stores.
What about after-the-sale service if you have a problem? As with so called" wholesale" jewelers, they are probably only interested in a one-time sale and may not care about you after the purchase. At Kelley Jewelers we want you to know everything about your diamond before your purchase, and we want to be your jeweler for many generations. We carefully screen every diamond we sell to offer the very best price on a quality diamond.
Kelley Jewelers belongs to the largest jewelry buying group in the nation, which gives us the power to buy at the lowest possible price from only prime suppliers, so we can pass on the savings to you. Our policy is not to sell synthetic or clarity enhanced diamonds. It is in your best interest as well as ours to make sure you are very happy with your new diamond, both now and in the future. We want to be your jeweler for life.
- Does the diamond come with a grading report from a legitimate lab? If not, does the seller have a reputation of strict grading standards and honesty over many years? Is there a grading report from a lab with stringent standards, such as Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS)?
Other labs use lower standards and the diamond may be of a lower quality and value than the report states. Legitimate labs do not put a value on the report. Any grading report not using GIA or AGS grading terms is not using terms generally accepted in the jewelry industry and may be terms meant to prevent you from comparing apples to apples.
Founded in 1931, Kelley Jewelers only offers diamond which fit our stringent grading standards or have a grading report from GIA.
- How long has the business from which you are purchasing been in business? Longevity is proof of many satisfied customers, which can only happen with honesty, attention to quality and the smallest detail, and exceptional service.
At Kelley Jewelers, we have been in business since 1931 and are now serving the fourth generation of customers, many of whom we have a long friendship.
- Do they offer ring sizing and setting of your diamond? Is it done quickly and on the premises? Is there someonw who is knowledgeable and can recommend solutions if you should have a problem? Are there additional charges for sizing your ring and soldering your wedding rings together?
At Kelley Jewelers sizing of your new Kelley's ring and soldering sets together is free and nearly always done quickly in our store. Same day service is available in most cases.
- Ask for a written and signed appraisal for insurance purposes. Is there an extra charge for this or will you have to pay another party to do the appraisal? Do they offer insurance options? At Kelley Jewelers we will furnish a written appraisal for insurance free of charge and offer Jewelers Mutual insurance policies on your new purchase.
- What is the policy if later you want to trade up to a bigger diamond? We offer the price you paid or the current selling price (whichever is more) for your Kelley's diamond to trade your center diamond for a more expensive one. We only sell diamonds we would be delighted to receive back if you should decide to trade.
Romantic Ways to Give a Diamond
- Take her to the place where you had your first date and "WOW" her with a diamond.
- Sneak the diamond on the plane and blow her away on your dream vacation.
- Take her to your favorite romantic place for a picnic and you'll bring a tear to her eye with a diamond.
- Ask the waiter to serve the diamond with champagne or dessert and leave her speechless.
- Tie the diamond jewelry to the neck of a stuffed animal and you're certain to cuddle up.
- Hide the diamond in the pocket of new clothes and you'll see her excitement when she finds it.
- Get her a new jewelry box and engrave "Will you Marry Me?" or "Happy Anniversary" and she'll look inside for a big surprise. Try a tool or tackle box to really get a reaction.
- Serve her breakfast in bed with the diamond on the tray for a big answer "Yes!".
- Hide a diamond in a box inside a box inside a box to keep her in suspense. To be really naughty, make the outer box one for a household appliance.
- Run a big bubble bath for her and put the diamond on the edge of the tub... Candles, champagne, really show your romantic side.
Most importantly make it special for the two of you. Whether it's elaborate or simple, make it a moment the two of you will never forget!
Why Jewelry Sometimes Blackens the Skin or Clothing or Can Cause Skin Irritations Make-up reside on your clothing or skin is the most common cause for black smudges staining sweaters, earlobes, or hands. Cosmetics can contain elements such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide, and calamine that are harder than jewelry. When they come in contact with your jewelry, a black smudge appears. This black smudge is very fine particles of metal and always appears as black rather than metallic. The hard elements in your cosmetics abrade the metal and your skin and clothing absorb it. To avoid this unsightly problem, apply your make-up before putting on that white sweater and before you put on your jewelry. Be sure to clean skin areas such as earlobes and fingers after applying make-up and black smudges should go away. Another cause of discoloration is from corrosion of jewelry metals. While pure gold will not tarnish, sometimes other metals or alloys used to strengthen gold or make white gold can tarnish under certain conditions. Moist or wet conditions can cause corrosion. Our skin contains thousands of tiny perspiration glands and may be enough to cause corrosion, especially when exposed to warmth and air. Salt, such as salt from popcorn or nuts, can cause corrosion and discolor your skin. Be sure to thoroughly clean your jewelry after salty foods eaten with your hands. Breaking out of your skin with redness, blisters, and tenderness is from a build-up of soap, lotions and cosmetics creams, wax, cleaning products or polishes. If this happens, remove rings before using soap or cleansers and clean your rings, especially on the underside, frequenty. If your hand is blistered, let it heal before wearing your rings again. If one ring blisters and others do not, it may be due to the design of the underside of the ring. A narrow ring is easier to rinse under and may not cause the problems of a wide band or the hollow underside of a ring. Care of Your Jewelry Jewelry means many things to people. Primarily, it is an embodiment of emotion. Jewelry is a way to say "I love you" when you can't find the words. It is a symbol of accomplishment such as a graduation. It is a way to feel beautiful, a symbol of status, and a way of personal expression or memories. Because jewelry is so important in our lives, it is important to know how to care for it properly. Soldering rings together, keeping them out of chemicals, and repairing broken and worn prongs when needed will keep your rings sparkling for generations. One of the most common ways jewelry is damaged is by wearing two rings on the same finger when they are not soldered together. You make hundreds of movements with your fingers each day and, every time your move, metal is scraping metal. Not only does this scratch your rings, but it wears out the sides, which may be holding diamonds or gemstones, and it will wear out the shanks (bands around the bottom) of both rings. Soldering the rings together will double the life of your rings. New shanks can be costly, but will allow you to continue to wear cherished rings for decades. Chemical damage to jewelry is another common problem. Chlorine, bleach, and other chemicals attack the metal leaching into it and causing it to become brittle and grainy, which causes it to crack, break, and become brittle. This reaction can cause prongs to break and your diamond or gem to be lost and it can also cause cracks in your ring. Another sign of chemical damage is blackening of your gold, which can not be removed by normal cleaning. Hair spray, perfume, waterless hand gel, and other substances can cause damage. Comet, hair color, swimming pools, and hot tubs are also sometimes the culprit. See your jeweler to inspect for damage and advise you on a plan of action. You must be the detective to help figure out what in your routine is causing the damage. The prongs are one of the most important parts of your jewelry. Prongs are the metal extensions that hold your diamonds and gems safely in the mounting. After years of rubbing your jewelry, especially rings, against all the things you touch every day, they gradually wear off like tire tread wears off every time you drive your car. Twice a year you should have your jeweler inspect your prongs for wear and damage. This is done at no charge. Damage can occur if the ring takes a hard blow. Wear takes years. Wear depends on how much you use your hands, the design of your jewelry, and the metal of which they are composed. So caring for your jewelry takes only a few simple steps: checking the prongs, keeping them safe from chemicals, and not allowing two pieces to rub together. Regular trips to your jeweler for inspection and professional cleaning will insure the enjoyment of your precious jewelry for many years to come. |
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