Q: I have shopped around for a diamond ring and one or two of my quotes seem to be far cheaper than all the others. Why would this be?

A: There are many factors that determine the value of a diamond. Most people judge a diamond's prices by its size, its colour grade and its clarity grade but these are only three criteria of many that will have an effect on price. The way a diamond is cut, for example, can represent up to 50% of the value of that diamond. Other factors such as fluorescence can make the diamond appear milky. Some merchants drill out the natural inclusions in a diamond and can fill the holes with synthetic material. It is important therefore to have faith that your jeweller will know about and disclose full and accurate details about your diamond. My advice is, if you have received a quote for what appears to be the same item that seems well below all the others beware. As with most things in life, if it seems too good to be true it probably is.

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