| s no doubt that purchasing a quality piece of | | | | and color of the diamond. Sometimes flaws within |
| jewelry can cost a great deal of money. | | | | the diamond can be easily masked when the |
| Sometimes, buying a piece of jewelry at a | | | | diamond is cut. These diamonds are less |
| discount price means that you have to sacrifice | | | | expensive than flawless diamonds and you will |
| quality or substitute rare gems for man-made | | | | never be able to tell the difference. |
| ones, but not always. There are good deals to be | | | | Always check different styles of sets to see |
| found on quality, precious jewelry. You just need | | | | which ones give you the most flash for your |
| to know how to spot them. | | | | buck. You may be able to buy a larger, flashier |
| The first thing that you need to find a quality | | | | ring if you look for styles that feature several |
| piece of jewelry at a discount price is to find a | | | | small gems rather than one large one. |
| reputable dealer. Even the most prestigious | | | | Don’t be afraid to buy larger pieces |
| dealers have sales, and this is where you want to | | | | made with man-made gems. Many of the newer |
| look. Avoid buying jewelry online, at auctions, or | | | | imitation gems that are out on the market are |
| at dealers with less than savory reputations. | | | | extremely hard to distinguish from the real thing. |
| Once you have found a good dealer, size up the | | | | Even experts have trouble and need to use a |
| selection by following these tips: | | | | special tool to do this. |
| Ask your dealer about the different ways | | | | Also, take the time to comparison shop. Avoid |
| that gems are cut and how it affects the price of | | | | getting emotionally attached to any piece of |
| the piece. Many times, you can purchase a | | | | jewelry before you have researched all of your |
| smaller, better cut gem for less money than a | | | | options. You might be able to find something |
| larger one and still have the same beautiful affect. | | | | comparable at a competitor’s boutique for |
| Remember, diamonds are priced not only | | | | less money. Be sure to pay attention to sales too. |
| according to size but also according to the clarity | | | | |