In America today, an engagement ring is simply a marketing concept created by the International Diamond Cartel. This cartel manufactured and orchestrated the concept of the diamond engagement ring to be the symbol of rarity and preciousness which purposefully endorses what marriage and love should represent. Only in America will men and women fall prey into this marketing scheme. But thanks to the internet and the certification process for gem-quality diamonds, Americans are beginning to see through the façade behind the diamond industry.

Although diamonds are marketed as rare and precious, the reality is that thousands of these stones are excavated out of the ground each day from mines around the world. The International Diamond Cartel and the jewelry industry will tell you that only a very small percentage of excavated diamonds will ever be gem-quality. This is simply another attempt to create romance and value for a stone whose only true value is its hardness level.

Unlike truly precious commodities, diamonds really don’t have a valid sense of value. True commodities have measurable and open sustainability to market pricing, where everyday consumers can buy and sell their inventory at market price to one another. The diamond industry has single-handedly created their market value and pricing structure. One, the industry does not allow average consumers to resell a diamond to the open market at the price they paid for it, even while diamond prices increase. Two, jewelry stores and diamond dealers typically do not offer market price repurchasing from consumers, whether you purchase it from them or another source. Three, jewelry stores and diamond dealers typically do not have honorable return policies. Rarely will you ever see a jewelry store or diamond dealer who has an open return policy like the rest of the retail industry.

Here are the secrets to researching and educating yourself on a gem-quality diamond. One, first do your research on the internet on the four Cs so that you can get a solid basis for what the diamond industry wants you to accept as important about a diamond. Two, research internet prices for gem-quality diamonds based on the criteria of the four Cs. Three, only trust GIA and AGS certifications. Four, go to reputable stores based on better business status and extensive years of business tenure for live demonstrations on the characteristics of a quality diamond.

Here are the secrets to buying a gem-quality diamond. One, only consider purchasing GIA or AGS certified diamonds, as their rating systems are supported by insurance carriers. Two, purchase from retail venues that have extensive years of business practice and have a full refund policy towards purchase price. Three, reputable jewelers will typically not be able to match internet pricing but will come close enough where the return policies and high levels of service prove to be of greater value. Four, only pay 15% to 20% below the market price when purchasing from jewelers and diamond dealers who do not meet the criteria of full refund policy and extensive business tenure. Five, don’t buy from internet-only businesses. The diamonds they display are from wholesaler aggregation and are typically less desirable diamonds.

Beware of the following, one, backwashed diamonds. These are diamonds notoriously pushed through the internet. The diamond industry is typically one where diamond distribution companies sell firstly to the retail trade, as they are willing to pay upfront cash for the good stake cherry-pick. So what’s left over with diamond distribution companies are the backwashed goods that retailers reject. Two, falsely certified diamonds, these diamonds are notoriously pushed through the “let’s make a deal”’ jewelry stores and diamond dealers who typically reside in the diamond districts within major urban markets. These are typically uncertified diamonds that are falsely married to an older certification that the vendor was able to reorder to sell to unsuspecting consumers or consumers who are looking for a great deal. Three, bad mojo diamonds, these are typically diamonds that have been from older jewelry, stolen, pawned or resold. Some of these diamonds have a bad history of events associated with it, whether it’s a poor marriage ending in divorce or one where the diamond has plagued every owner in its history.

Since buying a diamond is not like buying a car with a car factory port attached to it, no buyer really knows the intricate history of a diamond. Less reputable establishments will prey on unsuspecting consumers, as they can purchase bad mojo diamonds for low cost.