Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQ's) Below are many of the questions people ask us.  Please click on one for an answer. If you have a concern that is not addressed here, contact us and we will be glad to provide you with an explanation. 1-877-990-0100 email: diamonds@diasource.com

What’s the difference between Ideal Cut, Premium Cut, etc. grades:  The terms "Premium Cut", "Tolkowsky Ideal Cut", and "Excellent Ideal Cut" apply only to round diamonds. Stones receive these grades according to certain angle and percentage standards. For example, Premium Cuts have a table percentage from 58.0% to 61.0%, Tolkowsky Ideal Cuts have a table percentage from 53.0% to 58.0%, and Excellent Ideal Cuts have a table percentage from 52.5% to 58.4%.  Depth percentages on any of them should not be below 58.0% or above 63.8%.

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Does the cut of the diamond have any effect on the price:  At The Diamond Source USA we only sell the finest cuts of diamonds and the price does not change according to cut.

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Can I see the difference from one color or clarity grade to the next:  The brilliance of a diamond is determined by the quality of its cut -- not its color or clarity. When cut properly it is very difficult to see the difference between two-color grades, F-G, G-H, etc., if the stones are faced up. In clarity, from the grade of SI2 and up, normally one can not see anything in the diamond with the naked eye.  Therefore clarity has to be determined by the use of a 10x loupe.

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What is fluorescence, and how does it affect a diamond:  Fluorescence is an emission of light from within a diamond and can occur naturally.  To detect it a "black" or UV (ultraviolet) light must be used.  Yellow fluorescence and in some cases strong blue fluorescence may make a diamond appear cloudy or milky, even under daylight.  In "lower" colors (I and below) some blue fluorescence may help the diamond to appear whiter than it technically is.  Fluorescence information is always available on the certificate.

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Why are there no A,B,or C color grades:  In order to avoid confusion with a multitude of differing, previously existing grading systems, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) system was created, and "D" was designated the highest color grade.  This system is now recognized world-wide.

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Do you have mountings available:  We have standard ring, earring and pendant mountings. Additionally, we have a line of Tiffany-style mountings in both 14 karat yellow and white gold, along with platinum settings. Other mountings are available upon request.

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What is the cost of shipping:  The cost of out-of-state shipping (within the United States), including handling and insurance is $45.00.

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How do I know I’m getting what I bought:  All the diamonds we sell that are .5 carat and above are certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) laboratory. Therefore, each diamonds has been graded, registered and plotted. By comparing the diamond against the original certificate that is shipped with the diamond, any reputable diamond appraiser can verify that the diamond is the one identified by the certificate.

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What kind of guarantee do you offer:  Since all diamonds are certified, the guarantee is in the certification. If the diamond is mounted in a ring, earring, etc., and since we have no control over how it is handled once it leaves our office, we highly recommend that the item be insured through your personal insurance company.

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Does The Diamond Source USA maintain its own inventory:  Yes!  We sell diamonds from our own inventory.  We do not list "virtual" stones, or act as an intermediary between you and another diamond company.  Our inventory is always changing, and this is the reason for our "Request a Diamond" system.  You tell us what you would like, and we will respond with information about the diamonds we have which most closely match your request.

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Where do you get your diamonds:  The rough comes mostly from Africa and Russia. Once we receive it, it is cut at the factory and then imported and made available to sell.

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What’s a Certified Diamond:  A certified diamond is a diamond that has been weighed, measured, color graded and its cut determined at a major laboratory by individuals trained only in diamonds. Many of them hold degrees in appropriate areas. These individuals grade and certify daily as a profession.

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What’s an Appraisal:  Once the diamond is certified, knowing the weight, color, cut and clarity, the stone can be "appraised". An appraisal gives the diamond a retail value or replacement value. An Appraiser does this. Some appraisers also certify diamonds "to GIA (Gemological Institute of America) standards". This is done when the diamond has not been certified at a major laboratory. We recommend that you purchase only laboratory-certified diamonds, certified by full-time professional graders.

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What type of Payment do you Accept:  We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, Cashier Checks, Money Orders, Wire Transfer and Personal Checks. We also have financing available through Associates Capital Bank and Norwest Financial.

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Is There Sales Tax:  Items shipped to states other than Arizona and California will not include sales tax.

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What’s Your Return policy:  To ensure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer you a 30 day money back guarantee.  You may return the diamond(s) for a full refund or exchange within 30 days following the purchase of your order.   We accept returns for refunds or exchanges on all diamonds with the exception of shipping charges, mountings, rings, settings, and sizing charges and custom work.

   TO RETURN A DIAMOND

   (1)  Call us at 877-990-0100 to receive your return authorization code, which you will need to write on the return shipping label.

   (2)  Returning Merchandise:   Diamond must be returned with the Original Certificate via Registered, Insured mail through the US Postal Service.  Insure the package for the full amount of the purchase price and ship it with Return Receipt -- using the return shipping label that was included in your original shipment.

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Does The Diamond Source USA ever have a sale:  Unlike fashion clothing, diamonds never go out of style. Most clothing stores will run sales at the end of the season to get rid of that season’s fashions and make room for the new season. Some things always go out of style, but diamonds are always in fashion. A "sale" is just another retailer gimmick to make you think you are getting a good deal. At The Diamond Source USA, all of our prices published in our "Diamond Buying Guide" are already at the lowest price. There is no guesswork. The price you see is the price you pay. No gimmicks! Don’t be fooled – be prepared.

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Why doesn’t The Diamond Source USA put inventory on the web site:  The Diamond Source USA sells only Premium and Ideal cut diamonds and keeps consistency in our price per carat. Our inventory changes often and we do not want to mislead our customers; or, publish a diamond you become interested in and when you call to inquire about that specific diamond you’re told its "not available" or "already sold". Every request is answered immediately with a list of diamonds from our inventory available to you at that moment.

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What if I want to upgrade my diamond:  If you ever decide to upgrade your diamond, we will give you the current price of the stone you previously purchased from us, less 10%.  This amount will be applied towards the purchase of your new diamond.

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If we purchase a diamond from you, can we have it set in a ring or earrings:  We carry a nice selection of semi-mount rings, stud earrings, and pendants in white or yellow gold and platinum.   We can also arrange for custom designing.

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How can I visit The Diamond Source USA:  Our company has been in business in the United States since 1989.  We have two showrooms available for you to view our diamonds: Phoenix / Scottsdale and Los Angeles.  Click on either city for a printable location map.  Our professional staff can assist you by telephone or e-mail worldwide.
     Our Scottsdale showroom hours (Mountain Standard Time) are 9:30am to 6pm on Mondays through Fridays, 11am to 5pm on Saturdays, and we are closed on Sundays and major holidays.
     Our Los Angeles showroom hours (Pacific Daylight Time) are 10am to 6pm on Mondays through Fridays, 11am to 5pm on Saturdays, and we are closed on Sundays and major holidays.

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This list was last updated on September 3, 2002.