What I learned buying a diamond engagement ring the second time around.

Tolkowsky, Super Ideal, Hearts and Arrows, Light Return, Laser Inscribed, GIA vs AGS Certificate and Online Diamond Consultants are all important things that I never knew about when shopping for a diamond engagement ring the first time.

I like many was up to bat for the second time. Older, wiser and in a world not quite the same as before. The options had changed so I set out to find the best diamond I could afford.

Let me go back for a moment.....

The first time I bought a diamond ring I went to a jewelry store. The store was family owned and had multiple locations in my area. I recognized their brand and had a referral that got me a sit down with one of the owners. He talked me thru the 4 C's and showed me multiple diamonds in my price range.

To this day I am amazed that forking over so much cash for a cut and polished rock could have been so pleasurable. I felt that I was educated, shown suitable options and never hard sold.

Call me superstitious, an introvert or maybe just a touch more savvy than before but this time I decided not to reach out to the boss man for a sales call. Instead I started my own search online.

In the end for me, the value and flexibility of online shopping edges out the brick and mortar retail experience. In fact many online retailers have in person showrooms and agreements with brick and mortar affiliates, so to call them "online only" is not really correct.

Below are the major standout features for specific online vendors that I came across.

Whiteflash Lifetime Trade Up Guarantee: Where else can you get a deal like this? You purchase a diamond from Whiteflash, a company with a positive reputation worldwide for producing their A Cut Above diamonds maximizing brilliance, fire and scintillation. If you ever decide you want to upgrade, just search their site online, find something you like, trade in your original diamond and pay the difference. The fine print is here but for the most part it works just how I say. Even your upgraded diamond can be upgraded again down the road so if you plan on being a serial upgrader, go right ahead. I checked and the friendly staff at Whiteflash told me that you can upgrade again and again to your hearts content. So if you are looking for an eye clean, super ideal hearts and arrows diamond and are interested in the concept of a true Lifetime Upgrade, click here to check out Whiteflash today!

Brian Gavin Diamonds for Cut Quality and Ultimate Assurance: Brian Gavin learned his trade via 5 generations of family tradition. Sometimes we forget that diamonds are not widgets. Each one is cut from raw material. The man who's passion is to find the unique character in each stone and then foster and dare I say, give birth to its final form is Brian Gavin. Think craft beer or fine art. Someone has taken the time to care for the product you are buying and that attention is important to a good many customers. Brian Gavin has his signature line of eye clean super ideal hearts and arrows diamonds as well as specific featured lines of products such as Black, Cape and Blue. Each of these categories features super ideal diamonds with the cut quality, brilliance, fire and scintillation Brian Gavin diamonds are famous for.

James Allen and Blue Nile: Great Prices, No Hassle Returns, 24/7 Support:

Most people have heard of James Allen and Blue Nile. They make finding and purchasing your diamond easy. In fact they go beyond that. Should you have any problem, concern or change in plans they make it easy to facilitate a return as well. They have a 30 day no hassle policy so if you want to hold it in your hand to be sure, go ahead and order. Talk, text or email an advisor 24/7 via the website so you can get answers anytime. If you are anything like me, it is sometimes the middle of the night when you have time to focus so it's nice to be able to reach someone about a specific diamond regardless of the hour. James Allen and Blue Nile's prices are tough to beat. They have arrangements with affiliates so that you can go to a physical location for cleanings or a repair. Traditional Brick and Mortar stores just can't compete. If you have been considering a lab created diamond, they have those too.

If the attributes for one or all of these companies resonate with you, click on the text links above to explore more of what they have to offer. We are always happy to assist with your diamond search. Our service is free so click here to contact us today.