A diamond is a mark of prestige and a timeless gem that epitomizes class and elegance. Some people view these precious gems as a store of wealth. But for most of us, their sentimental value matters the most—a value that transcends cultures and generations. Indeed, the mention of diamond evokes feelings of bliss; the experience of shopping for these gems is just as ecstatic.

But what is the best way to shop for diamonds in a city like Columbus, Ohio? Due to their inherent value and hefty prices, it would do you no credit to wake up, hit the stores immediately, and order a piece of diamond jewelry in Columbus. Experts encourage digging up as much information on the jewelry as possible, especially if you are looking for rare diamond jewelry.

Remember that when it comes to these gems, the more unique, the better. However, rare diamonds also tend to be costly.

Therefore, along with establishing diamond quality, you also need to be a skilled price negotiator. Thankfully, you do not need to be a jewelry consultant to understand the quality of a diamond in Columbus, nor should you be a shrewd salesman to get fair bargains off the jewelry. However, that does not stop you from enlisting the services of a consultant if need be. Read further to learn more about how to buy diamonds in Columbus.

Why Should You Buy Diamonds in Columbus, Ohio?

The main advantage of buying diamonds in Columbus is that you get variety. The city has a couple of notable jewelry stores, each of which competes for the small market of diamond shoppers. As a buyer, the competition works in your favor.

First, you are assured of great value every time. Secondly, you can leverage this competition to ensure that you get fair bargains for every purchase. It is also worth mentioning that many diamond shops in Columbus deal with reputable brands. Understandably, finding a luxurious, well-polished diamond is a feat to savor. However, the feeling is even more surreal if the diamond in question is also from a reputed brand.

By adorning jewelry from renowned brands, you seamlessly share in their fame and glamour. Indeed, investing in celebrated brands speaks to your class and taste because doing so makes you stand out from everyone else jostling for cheap jewelry. As we have already mentioned, diamonds only make sense when they bring out the best in you.

Common Diamond Stores in Columbus, Ohio

The following are some popular diamond outlets in Columbus:

1. Alexanders Jewelers

Alexanders Jewels pride themselves in selling custom engagement rings. They deal in high-end designs like Simon G. Fana, Andrea Candela, Claude Thibaudeau, etc. Apart from loose diamonds, they also offer various forms of diamond jewelry, such as diamond watches.

2. Argo & Lehne Jewelers

With a history spanning about a century, Argo & Lehne Jewelers enjoy a reasonable reputation. The store deals in vintage jewelry and offers additional customer services, such as jewelry appraisals, repairs, and engraving. For quality assurance, the Gemological Institute of America trains its staff.

3. Buckeye Gold Company

Buckeye buys most of its jewelry from Dublin. If you are looking for variety, Buckeye Gold Company is the place to go. It is also your ideal store if you would like the gem valued before purchasing it. The store sorts all its items for ease of sampling. Above all, all their diamonds are tested by renowned testing labs.

4. ONE SIX FIVE

Broad offers set One Six Five apart. Here, you can find regular diamonds for everyday wear. Besides, this merchant offers luxury jewels. Jewelry by One Six Five is designed and handmade by Claire Lowe and Kaleigh Shrigley. This fact alone speaks to their style.

5. Worthington Jewelers

Worthington Jewelers has been around for only two decades. However, they have already earned their spot among the top jewelers in Columbus. The store offers a wide range of services, from repairs to appraisals. If you buy from them, you get free cleaning and inspection services.

How to Buy Diamonds in Columbus

The diamond trade in Columbus is not as vibrant as it is in other cities. Remember, Columbus does not have a diamond district - it could be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it. But one thing stands out—the city’s diamond prices are not regulated. Without proper price regulations, you could easily fall prey to over-ambitious merchants, especially if the diamond you buy is not the quality you desire. So, how do you avoid such pitfalls when shopping for diamonds in Columbus?

For starters, understand the kind of diamond you want. Never walk into a store and ask for any diamond. Although you will get it, it may be the farthest thing from your desired shape, size, clarity, and color. Thus, before you think of visiting a Columbus store, examine your requirements and have clear descriptions of the diamond you want. An example of a suitable description would be “a one-carat, oval cut, blue diamond,” or an Asscher cut halo diamond engagement ring

After understanding the diamond you desire, proceed to establish the history of the store. Many jewelry stores nowadays prefer to do most of their trades online.

According to New York Post, this trend resulted from the high number of millennials who prefer to buy their diamonds online. Hence, if a store does not have any reviews on sites like Yelp or Google, you will be better off looking the other way. Before sampling their offers, ensure that the store only deals in GIA-certified diamonds. Being a member of the Ohio Jewelers Association is a bonus.

Once you have located a store with a website, investigate its history. Established brands are more likely to be reputable than new entrants, which is why you must insist on stores with a history of existence running into decades.

While at it, read online reviews to establish how the store interacted with some of its past clients. Investigate the general approval ratings of the store and how it responds to clients’ queries and concerns. You can do so by making a formal inquiry with them. Also, check their response time and assess how polite their staff is. A good store should listen to your requirements beforehand. Some might even prefer an appointment with you to help you find the right diamond. Avoid stores that are only concerned about pushing their products.

The next stage involves price comparisons. Since you are already shopping for diamonds online, you can open a couple of websites on your window. Some stores have online price calculators that will immensely come in handy here. Furthermore, make price comparisons for the same gem and ensure all the other parameters are constant before checking the prices across multiple outlets. Once you have identified the most affordable store, check their shipping and return policy. The payment options are also of paramount consideration here. Remember to pay securely using your credit card. If everything is fine and intact, proceed to place your order.

Good times don't last forever. But the impact they have on us may live on for eternity. However, it all comes down to how you crown those glorious moments in your life. As far as leaving a mark goes, you can never go wrong with a piece of luxurious diamond. Columbus, OH, features plenty of diamond stores. It only takes some diligence to find a diamond that fits your style and class.