Monday, February 26, 2007

Questions for Elsarings.com

We get a lot of questions for advice regarding the care of your gorgeous diamond jewelry. So, because we love the interaction, we're setting up our "official" Q&A pages here. We welcome your questions and comments and look forward to hearing from you.

Question: I was wondering how you would suggest cleaning my engagement ring. I use a jar of jewelry cleaner now that I picked up at CVS. I just drop the ring in and rinse with warm water, is this a good method to cleaning the ring or will this damage the ring? Also, it is kind of hard not to touch the stone from time to time, if it is touched can the oils from my hands be cleaned off when I use the cleaner or will the stone get progressively dull as time goes on?

I would appreciate your feedback...Thank you!

Answer: The jewelry cleaner will definitely clean your ring. No accumulation of body oils to worry about.

To rinse, place hot water into a glass or cup - never hold ring over sink drain - and rinse. On the other hand why do you have to touch the stone? Hold the bottom or sides of your ring to put it on and take it off.



Question: How do I buy a diamond and avoid all the scams at the jewelry stores?

Answer: First, let's separate scams into two categories: major and minor. Frankly, major scams rarely occur... but when they do, the media overpublicizes them to sell newspapers or magazines.

On the other hand, minor scams are very common and are found in almost all of the major jewelry chain stores to some degree. Such scams persist simply because it is hard for consumers to educate themselves before they buy.

1. Insist on a grading certificate
(Beware of Certificates from non-existent "sound-alike" labs - If it is not from the true GIA, AGS or EGL gem labs, don't believe it.)
2. Check with the BBB
3. Learn the 4 Cs
4. Never buy from anyone in the Diamond District in New York
5. Research the best price for any diamond

Use your common sense and don't ignore "red flag warning signals" - learn to trust your instincts and you'll find a perfect diamond ring for you.