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You can buy anything online these days—and that’s even true of gemstones. But unlike most products you’ll buy on the internet, diamonds vary widely in quality from one to the next. This means buying a diamond online requires very keen knowledge—unless you want to get a disappointing diamond delivery in the mail.

Pay attention to the cut.

When it comes to the 4 C’s, people tend to think that the diamond’s size, or carat weight, is the most important, followed by color (i.e. finding a diamond that isn’t yellow), then clarity. But in fact, cut is one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a diamond, especially if you’re buying one online. A diamond’s cut is what gives it that “life” or sparkle.

Diamonds with the same carat weight can have different dimensions as a result of the cut. For example, some might be heavier on the bottom, meaning that the carat weight lies mostly in the base of the stone, so the stone’s face is smaller than you’d expect. On the other hand, some stones might be “spready” stones, meaning they look larger than you’d expect based on the carat weight—but this isn’t always ideal either, as it can mean that the diamond was simply cut large, without aiming for excellent proportions. As a result, light may seep out of the bottom of the stone instead of reflecting upward, leaving the diamond looking dull and lifeless.

Don’t put all your trust in the certificate.

A certificate doesn’t tell you everything about your diamond: while it is necessary and tells you a lot, you shouldn’t depend on the certificate alone. Sometimes, a diamond looks great on the certificate—but when you see it in person, something just looks off. This is especially true when you’re buying fancy shapes like cushions, ovals, and pears: they can’t be evaluated based on the certificate alone. Nothing on the certificate tells you how curved or rounded the edges and corners are, or how many facets the diamond has. This is the kind of information you’ll only learn by seeing a diamond in person or a video.

Be wary of the price.

When it comes to finding diamonds online, don’t be fooled by the price. Buying a diamond solely based on certificate and price will not get you the best diamond and value. Often, if the price looks too good to be true, it’s because it is. Many stones that are sold online are simply gems that jewelers didn’t want to buy. This means that they might look beautiful on the certificate but milky or lifeless in person—hence the lower price, which makes you think you’ve found a bargain. People get tricked by an internet stone that is less expensive but on paper has all the same qualities. However, if you compare them side by side, there would be a very noticeable difference.

Check the fluorescence.

A diamond’s fluorescence is the faint glow sometimes seen when it’s exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Not all diamonds have this identifying trait, but it’s something to be aware of. Fluorescence comes in different strengths and hues, from bluish to yellowish, and certain varieties can leave a diamond looking milky or clouded.

Talk With A Diamond Expert

Essentially, when buying a diamond online, you’re pretty much on your own. There’s no expert help to guide you to the best option—which is why we recommend caution. On the other hand, if you’d like to see your diamond in person or on a video before buying it, set up an initial consultation with us!

We work personally with you to help you find the best diamond for your budget, considering the balance of size, color, dimensions, and cut. We only offer diamonds we’d vouch for personally, with beautiful sparkle and at a great value. Work directly with Maytal, a GIA-certified gemologist with years of experience, to find the perfect diamond for you!