Discount Diamond Jewelry: Make Sure It Is The Real Deal

There are many department stores, fine jewelry retailers, and online stores that promote the sale of discount diamond jewelry. In some cases, the products they offer do not contain real diamonds, and retailers use this tactic to either lure you into their store or have you search further through their website.

For the most part, they are doing nothing more than selling fake diamond jewelry at discount prices.  Before you go out and shop for discount diamond jewelry, you will first need to educate yourself about this industry so that you will not fall prey to the deceptive practices used by small jewelry retailers. 

Choosing The Right Store 

There are many types of diamond jewelry retailers to choose from, and they range from department stores, pawn shops, and online merchants, to fine jewelry retailers. Some department stores, such as JC Penney, sell discount diamond jewelry, however the quality and prices of their merchandise are less expensive and not as exquisite as the jewelry pieces sold by the fine jewelry retailer Harry Winston. His firm in New York City sells the most exquisite, high-end fine diamond jewelry, and many celebrities have worn his pieces on the night of the Oscar awards.

Another department store, which also operates an online store, that sells discount diamond jewelry is Ultradiamonds. They have several stores located in the United States, and some of the jewelry pieces that they sell online are discounted by as much as 75%. Just remember, you get what you pay for and a less expensive diamond jewelry piece will have a smaller carat weight, less clarity, and a less desirable cut compared to a more expensive piece. All of the stores listed here are reputable and you can trust them since they want to maintain their image and outstanding reputation.  

 Spotting A Real Diamond From A Fake 

Is it hard to spot a real diamond from an imitation? Some experts have claimed that even they, at times, have been fooled by synthetic diamonds. They advise us that when we go to search for discount diamond jewelry, we should only buy a GIA-certified piece. Other jewelry experts state that an imitation diamond will weigh 50% more than the real one. In order to test this, you will need to compare the synthetic stone with a real diamond of the same size in order to determine the weight difference between the two.

Another way to determine a real diamond from a fake is to inspect the ring's setting and mount. There are different types of metals used for settings and mounts, and platinum is the most expensive metal used in high-end diamond jewelry.

Some discount diamond jewelry pieces will use the synthetic gemstone cubic zirconia and the ring will be set in an inferior metal such as sterling silver. Cubic zirconia stones are the closest thing to real diamonds in appearance and are slightly less brilliant. This synthetic stone is less durable and will have more scratches and marks on it than a real diamond.

Lastly, you can have a diamond appraiser come with you to the store to look at the diamond piece before purchasing it. This type of professional can easily spot a fake diamond and best advise you on getting the best discount diamond jewelry piece that suits your taste and budget.