Diamond Jewelry

Whether it's an engagement ring or a fabulous pair of stud earrings, diamond jewelry can become a part of your daily life. These jewels are passed on for generations and will likely be among your most valued possessions. As a result, it's important to do extensive research and comparison-shopping before making a diamond purchase. The Internet has revolutionized jewelry shopping and is making the search for the right diamond much more convenient for consumers across the country.

Benefits of online shopping

Just like shopping for a car or a home, consumers are turning to the Internet to complete their diamond shopping. The Internet provides the flexibility of 24-hour shopping, nearly endless inventories, and safe and secure ordering and shipping. If you have any questions about your order or the products you review, be sure to check with customer service before placing an order.

Just like a purchase you could make in a retail store, your diamond purchase will come with a return policy and a warranty. Be sure to review the terms and conditions of your order, including the return policy, before placing your order. The purchase will be shipped insured via a respected delivery company. You may want to make sure you're home the day your shipment arrives, or you could have the delivery sent to your office.

Consumers who are concerned about Conflict Diamonds can feel confident when they shop online. Just like retail stores, online diamond dealers voluntarily participate in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which is a way of confirming that diamonds are conflict-free from when they are mined to when they are sold. If you are concerned about this, ask your diamond dealer whether they participate in the Kimberley Process.

Care and maintenance of diamonds

Your diamond jewels will become some of your most prized and valuable possessions. To keep them in the best condition - and beautiful for generations to come - be sure to take proper care of them. Be sure to follow these tips to maintain their overall luster and value.

• Store your diamonds in safe jewelry pouches or a padded jewelry box. Diamonds can scratch other jewels and metals, so don't toss all of your belongings into the same container. Instead, take the time to carefully place them in soft compartments.
• Bring your diamonds to a professional jeweler at least once a year for cleaning. The jeweler will use professional cleaning products and also will examine your jewels to make sure that there are no loose settings or scratches. Doing this annually will help you preserve your diamonds for years to come.
• Refrain from wearing your diamonds casually. While there is no problem with wearing a diamond ring every day or making your diamond studs your favorite earrings, you should remove valuable jewelry when you go swimming or if you are doing manual labor. You don't want to stain or scratch your jewelry (remember that while it may be hard to scratch a diamond, it can be easy to ruin a setting). Chemicals such as shampoo or cleaning products also could harm jewelry, so pay attention to the products that come into contact with your jewels.