Buying the Perfect Diamond Jewelry for the Holidays & Avoiding Online Scams

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to our By Bonnie blog, where we talk about all things diamonds! Can you believe that the holiday season is just around the corner? Time really flies! In today's blog, I'll be guiding you on how to choose the perfect diamond necklace for this upcoming holiday season. Make sure to stick around until the end of this blog because I'll also share three essential tips to keep in mind when shopping for jewelry online to ensure you don't fall prey to any tricks or traps. Let's get started! 

When it comes to holiday shopping, a diamond necklace is undoubtedly one of my favorite choices for the season. What makes it so special? Well, for starters, you don't need to fret over ring sizes, and it's more versatile than earrings because everyone has a neck. Choosing a necklace is a breeze!

Now, let's address a common question I receive from people, often asking, "Bonnie, why aren't you running Black Friday sales with massive discounts like 20% off or 30% off?" The answer lies in the very essence of our products. We take pride in crafting each piece by hand right here in the U.S., and our jewelry isn't just another mass-produced item.

Here's the deal: our pricing is based on careful curation and the quality of our materials and craftsmanship.

It's not like those items you see online, often mass-manufactured overseas, where they churn out hundreds of thousands of pieces. These items might undergo price inflation, for example, going from $500 to $700 a month before the holidays. Then, they offer a 50% discount, bringing it back to $350. The reality is, the item was never truly worth $700. This is a common tactic you'll encounter in the world of online jewelry retail.

The takeaway here is that when you're shopping for jewelry, you need to be savvy and educate yourself about the products you're buying. Always read the fine print and understand the true value of what you're investing in. Real diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, aren't just another commodity that can be drastically discounted. Crafting and curating them takes time, effort, and a level of care that sets them apart from mass-produced items. 

Number one, let's talk about gold content – a critical aspect of online jewelry shopping. It's essential to understand that if something is merely gold-plated, such as silver plated with gold, it's not solid gold. While it may look strikingly similar, it will tarnish over time, and the color transformation will be distinct from solid gold.

To put this into perspective, consider the stark contrast in the market values of these precious metals. At the time of writing, silver is trading at roughly $20 per ounce, while gold commands a substantial price tag of nearly $2,000 per ounce. So when you come across an item listed at $700, and it magically drops to $139 during a seemingly irresistible sale, it's only natural to wonder, "What's the catch?"

The catch, more often than not, lies in the fine print. When you're on the hunt for jewelry deals, exercise caution and a discerning eye. Don't be lured solely by the promise of a "great deal" – in the world of gold, the truth is, it may not be solid gold at all. Your hard-earned money deserves authentic value, so be mindful of what you invest in. 

The second crucial aspect to keep an eye on is "total carat weight." It's vital to understand the distinction between "total carat weight" and “carat weight”. When a piece of jewelry is advertised as having a total carat weight of, let's say, two or three carats, it means that the combined weight of all the small stones in that piece adds up to the specified total.

Now, here's the catch: this is often different from a single diamond that weighs two carats or one carat. The value and price can vary drastically between the two scenarios. So, when you encounter a piece with a total carat weight, it's essential to recognize that it includes multiple smaller stones, which may not be as valuable as a single, larger diamond of the same carat weight. Understanding this distinction is key to making an informed jewelry purchase.

Now, let's delve into the third factor to keep a keen eye on: color and clarity. It all boils down to reading the fine print. You might come across descriptions like "I-J” color, I2 - I3 and here's the deal with I2 - I3. It essentially means that the stone is entirely opaque, lacking any sparkle or transparency. In simpler terms, you're investing in something that's neither brilliantly sparkling nor clear; it's essentially cloudy.

So, when you're perusing online jewelry and pondering the price discrepancies, it's essential to examine these three aspects. Moreover, be on the lookout for the phrase "all diamonds and gemstones have been enhanced." This raises questions about whether the stones are natural or lab-grown and if any enhancements have been made. And speaking of lab-grown, there's a significant concern regarding the use of the term "lab-grown" in the current online jewelry market that we must address. 

The advent of lab-grown diamonds has led to a widespread assumption that the term "lab grown" automatically implies diamonds. Let me emphasize this: the term "lab grown" does not exclusively refer to diamonds. Cubic zirconia, for instance, is also created in a laboratory. The same goes for moissanite – it's a lab-grown gem. So, when you encounter descriptions like "lab grown moissanite" or "lab grown cubic zirconia," it's crucial to differentiate between them and lab-grown diamonds.

Falling for this terminology trap can result in spending thousands of dollars on something that's essentially worth a mere $5, falsely advertised as "lab grown." These are the kinds of misleading terms that some online sellers employ to deceive buyers. Be vigilant and informed, and don't get caught in their web of deception.

Of course, in this blog, I'm excited to showcase some of our exquisite pieces. Let's start with a beautiful one-carat pendant necklace – a fantastic choice for those of you who are in search of the perfect holiday gift.

The first question to ask yourself is, what's your budget? A timeless pendant necklace like this one is an excellent choice, and it's available in both natural and lab-grown options.

Consider your partner's lifestyle and their wardrobe preferences. Will this necklace complement their style? The advantage of a solitaire style like this one above is its versatility. 

In the future, you can expand your collection with matching earrings, perhaps half a carat each – a wonderful way to build upon your classic jewelry collection.

Have you ever fallen victim to an online scam? I've received countless emails from clients who believed they were purchasing lab-grown diamonds, only to discover they had acquired lab-grown moissanite or something entirely different at a different price point. Share your stories by sending me a direct message or leaving your comments on my YouTube video!

I hope this blog has provided valuable insights for your holiday shopping!