Want to go jewelry shopping for engagement rings but worry you might be getting ripped off? We totally understand. After all, you don’t just pick money from the trees—you work hard for it. Most of all, you don’t want to get a duped diamond, do you?
So how do you know if a piece of jewelry is genuine? Specifically, how can you determine if a diamond is conflict-free? Read more and learn how to make sure you find ethical and conflict-free diamonds and engagement rings.
But first, what is a conflict-free diamond?
Sure, you have heard of the term “conflict free” multiple times, but have you learned what this term means? Read on.
Conflict-free Diamonds Defined
The easiest way to know if diamonds are conflict free is to understand which diamonds are considered “conflict.” If you get your diamonds from an illegal seller to support destructive war and terror campaign, then you are getting conflict diamonds or, also known as, blood diamonds.
In the United States, buying and selling blood diamonds is prohibited. However, many resellers are still not following the law and keep on selling conflict-free diamonds in secret. Make sure you are not one of the victims by knowing how to determine conflict-free diamonds.
Verify the Diamonds on Your Engagement Rings
- Ask your jeweler. This is the first thing to do. Though some jewelers may try to lie and trick you, asking a liar with a straightforward question will catch him off-guard. Remember that an ethical and legal jeweler knows every little detail from the mine to the market. If he falters, leave.
- Check for certification. The jeweler may be well versed, but you should not rely on words alone. Ask if you can see the diamond’s warranty statement.
- Know the Four Cs. By order of importance, know the diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
- Look for reputable vendors. You can do this by doing your research and asking around. Also, avoid buying diamonds coming from Angola and Zimbabwe.
Jewelry shopping can be both fun and serious. It is a fun activity because you can see different kinds of glitters and designs—all of which will tend to spark joy. It is also serious because you need to be careful and thoughtful in buying, especially when you want to get diamonds for engagement rings.