Buying abroad

Last week, we had an insurance valuation appointment with a couple who had recently bought a number of items in the Caribbean whilst out there on a cruise, believing that this was the best place in the world to buy diamonds.

We did an insurance valuation for this couple just a few months ago and so delighted were they with the service they received, they wanted us to “value” their new purchases.

Both Victoria and Chris assessed the stones and confirmed they were indeed diamonds, as they were uncerted diamonds, their grading as detailed on the receipt was a subjective thing – a personal opinion and nothing more.

What was not a personal opinion is the fact that there is no best country to buy diamonds. Diamonds are mined and then cut and polished in only a handful of countries in the world. When they are ready, they are shipped around the world to different diamond companies and they are a world-wide commodity, bought in dollars throughout the world. The diamond available to buy in South Africa for example, is also available for us to purchase here in the UK at exactly the same price.

What you need to be sure of is the person you are buying from. Is the diamond conflict-free? Will the jeweller ensure you get the best possible piece of jewellery using this diamond? Will the jeweller do his or her utmost to ensure you have value for money and you are 100% delighted with your finished item? If you are in any doubt over the answer to any of these questions then perhaps you should take a step back and rethink your purchase.