10 IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PURCHASING A DIAMOND!
Buy your diamond from a reputable company such as Cape Diamonds, which only deals in GIA-certified, conflict-free diamonds.
GIA-CERTIFICATION
Making sure that your diamond is GIA certified is essential. Non-GIA laboratories do not grade diamonds to the same standard, and you could lose a fortune if you invest in a diamond that turns out to have improper certification.
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grades of diamond cut are “excellent”, “very good” and “good”. Ideally, you would want to choose the categories of “excellent” or “very good.”
If you are looking for a ring that will retain its value, we also suggest that you invest in diamonds of VS2-SI2 clarity and H-I colour. Our expert team can help you avoid the mistake of buying a visibly-flawed white diamond or a flawless but off-colour diamond.
We look forward to working with you in sourcing the best conflict-free, GIA-certified diamond to suit your budget.
CHOOSING A DESIGN
At Cape Diamonds we have the expertise to make any ring in consultation with you, based on a picture or sketch that you send us. If you are unsure about what might appeal to your partner, we recommend simple but unique designs.
Our workshop on Prestwich Street in Cape Town offers free design consultations. Sample engagement rings, such as the Soul Ring, exclusive to Cape Diamonds, can be viewed here at your leisure.
CHOOSING A METAL
Platinum is the metal of choice for budgets over R10 000. This is because platinum is durable and low maintenance. It is also HYPOALLERGENIC and not likely to cause allergies.
White gold may require re-plating eventually as it can revert back to an off-white colour. Yet white gold is still a beautiful, resilient metal and we recommend using 9 carat White Gold if your budget is under R10 000. For a more traditional or antique effect, we can also make rings from yellow gold or rose gold.
CHOOSING A SIZE
The average engagement ring size is Medium.
Many people want to surprise their partner with an engagement ring and therefore have to speculate about size. If you cannot bring us a ring that fits your partner’s ring finger, send us a picture of your partner’s hand next to a standard size item such as a pen or coin. We are very good at estimating size.
We will also happily resize your ring – free of charge if no extra metal is used.
TIMEFRAME
Once you have paid a deposit, it will take two to three weeks for your ring to be handcrafted at Cape Diamonds.
In some urgent cases we can offer a speed service of 24 hours.
CASH DEALS?
Cash discounts can be linked to tax evasion. That is why we do not offer cash discounts, and all final quotes are inclusive of VAT (Value Added Tax). We trust that you would want to purchase your diamond engagement ring through properly registered companies such as Cape Diamonds.
IS IT OK TO BUY A RING ONLINE?
While it may seem like you are saving money by buying online, you should be aware that many online sellers count on the buyer’s lack of knowledge. Often, all the qualities of the diamond are not properly stipulated online, and practically worthless diamonds are sold online for large sums of money.
So be sure that you make an educated, informed decision when buying your diamond, and buy from a reputable seller, as your diamond engagement ring should be an investment in “forever”.