Understanding the basics of diamond education requires an investment of time and, more importantly, correct and objective information. There are many informational sources on the internet but every source has its own purpose, and often that purpose is to “sell” you on a product. With this in mine it is important first, and foremost, to understand that different GRADING STANDARDS and LABELS exist:
Grading Standards: Diamonds will be sent to soft labs to receive higher color and clarity grades than they would normally receive from a good independent appraiser or strict lab. This can give buyers a false impression about that product. This issue is compounded by the abundance of popular chain stores and mainstream sellers who employ the practice of using labs with soft grading standards.
Labels: Labels like “Ideal” or “Hearts & Arrows” can serve as buzzwords to attract shoppers, but any label is meaningless without education and scrutiny, since thousands of sellers may apply the same label with completely different or even random standards.
We encourage you to spend time reading the basics in this education section and to openly and candidly ask any questions on the forum.
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