Have you have heard the term “direct diamond importer”? If you are not sure what it means, read on. Let’s see what a direct diamond importer is and how much of a difference it makes to buy diamonds from such a vendor.
What Is a Direct Diamond Importer?
A direct diamond importer is a vendor that buys diamonds directly from the company that mines them.
For example, a business that buys stones from DeBeers (which is a company that dominates the diamond mining industry) and imports them into the United States or another country will be considered a direct diamond importer.
Direct diamond importers often have the advantage of being able to pick the best-quality raw diamonds that the miner offers.
Many such vendors cut and polish themselves the diamonds they buy; however, this is not necessarily the case, as a direct diamond importer can buy diamonds that have already been cut if the miner offers such an option.
Should You Buy from Direct Diamond Importers?
There are potential advantages to buying diamonds from direct importers as these companies can offer competitive terms compared with some jewelry store chains and smaller individual jewelers:
Lower Prices
Direct diamond importers buy directly from the original supplier, and this is why they can offer lower prices than many jewelry stores.
Vendors that do not buy directly have to go through one or more middlemen and often cannot match the price of a direct importer.
Better Selection
Direct diamond importers often have a richer selection of diamonds than indirect vendors do.
Since they supply a wide range of smaller jewelry sellers with stones, direct importers usually carry clarity, cut, and color grades that you may not find at other jewelry shops.
And if you are looking for a size or shape that is rare to find at your local jeweler, you might have more luck with a direct diamond importer.
Customer Service
Some direct diamond importers claim that they can offer superior customer service compared to chain stores, where you are likely to get less attention from the salespeople.
While it is true that many direct importers can provide individual customer service as their showrooms may be less crowded, this is not necessarily the case.
There are a lot of regular stores where you will be treated just as well, but you should decide for yourself which vendor you are most comfortable with.
While customer service is not a minor consideration, it is no less important to examine closely the warranties, guarantees, and terms and conditions that come with the purchase of a diamond.
These details can often make a stone a better (or worse) deal than its price suggests at first glance.
Where to Buy Diamond Jewelry?
We recommend James Allen (read review) because you can see a 360-degree video for any diamond before buying it.
Blue Nile is another reputable diamond retailer we recommend.