Diamond engagement rings are often associated with hope and joy--but sometimes engagements are called off, marriages fail, and plans must be made to sell the ring.

Selling a pre-owned diamond engagement ring can be an emotionally draining process, and you want to make sure you aren't taken advantage of (financially and otherwise) during this vulnerable time. When looking for a buyer, be sure to first consult a reputable business or jeweler.

Have you considered?

• First of all, is the ring yours to sell? The old custom was for the woman to return it to the man, but in today's society, this isn't always the norm. (And men sometimes do not want the ring back after it is offered.)
• Additionally, consider the laws in your state regarding property before making the decision to sell a ring. Some states (like Tennessee) have laws that state that engagement rings must be returned to the purchaser if the marriage does not take place. Other states (New York, North Carolina, etc.) require that whoever broke the engagement must return the jewelry. Make sure you are familiar with the laws in your state before looking to sell a piece of bridal jewelry.
• Also make sure you are emotionally prepared to part with your ring. Many women wait until their divorce papers are filed before attempting to sell their bridal jewelry, in case of a reconciliation.
• If a union that has produced children is ending, some families save diamond jewelry to be passed on to children in the future. Has this option been considered and discussed with the rest of the family?

Other considerations:

• It will likely be difficult to sell the ring yourself after a broken engagement--people are remarkably superstitious about pre-owned engagement rings, even in modern times.
• The diamond is the most valuable part of the ring. If you have any certification papers about its worth and weight, be sure to have them on hand as you look for a buyer.
• When showing the ring to a potential buyer, make sure it is looking its best. Have a jeweler clean it, first--and while you're there, ask for an appraisal.
• You may fetch a higher price if you sell this engagement ring with its corresponding wedding band.
• The most realistic price you can expect for this ring is, at best, one-third of the price you paid for it.

If you are looking to sell a diamond engagement ring in Washington D.C., Maryland or Virginia, Mervis Diamond Importers is an important resource.

Mervis will act as your personal diamond broker, making sure you get the most value for the piece you are selling. First, the Mervis jewelers will have to inspect each piece of jewelry. Keep in mind that Mervis does not buy gold or side diamonds, and all diamonds considered for purchase must be bigger than .70 carats.

To begin this process, fill out this easy form.

There are a lot of places out there to buy diamond jewelry. In a market awash with commercials on television, radio and in magazines, you may have trouble deciding who to trust with your purchase. The best idea is to avoid jewelry chains and purchase from a direct diamond importer.

Why does it make sense to purchase from a direct diamond importer?

There are several reasons why working with a direct diamond importer makes sense.

First, direct importers often have a wider selection of diamond weights, clarity and cuts than the average jewelry store you may find in the mall or on the street. This means that you can find exactly what you want without compromising. This is an important point to consider when choosing diamonds for a gift or wedding sets. You want your loved one to have the best, not the second best.

Second, with direct importers, you can afford the best. You are buying directly from the supplier. There is no middleman, meaning much lower prices than you will find anywhere else. This means that you can afford to purchase a bigger, more opulent diamond without adjusting your budget. Chain stores simply can't match the prices that direct importers can provide. For example, with one of the top chain stores, a .25 CT platinum engagement ring can cost $1,000 to $2,000 more than if you purchased a similar ring at a diamond direct importer like Mervis.

Third, you don't need to sacrifice comfort and customer service for a great price and a wide selection. For example, Mervis provides private showing rooms that allow customers to compare diamonds and settings. Unlike with chain jewelry stores, you get to take time to appreciate the beauty of the jewels without being bumped or rushed by other customers, and you get one-on-one attention from someone who is highly experienced in diamond quality, types and styles. If you living in the Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia areas, considering contacting us to make an appointment before you come in. This way, our staff will be expecting  you and can dedicate their time to providing you the best service.

Even if you don't live near a diamond importer like Mervis, you can still enjoy the low prices, customer service and wide selection by shopping online for your diamonds. This will allow you to shop in the comfort of your own home and give you time to think about your purchase without the pressure that can come from shopping at a chain store.

Overall, choosing an importer is a smart choice when purchasing diamonds for yourself, the love of your life, or a family member. With an importer you save money, have more choices and more comfort than with other diamond sellers.

Popping the question requires a great deal of preparation and planning. Where is the perfect location? What is the ideal time? How exactly should you ask your significant other that life changing question? What kind of engagement ring would he or she like?

Hopefully, amongst your high priority preparation questions is the following: Where should I buy the engagement ring? Believe it or not, there are a lot of important factors to consider when you choose the right place to buy the rock. Here are a few of the most important qualities to consider in order to find the best place to buy an engagement ring.

Diamond Certification

Each diamond comes with a certificate that essentially functions as a report card, indicating details about all its distinguished qualities. Though certificates are important to learn more about the gem you’re about to purchase, they aren’t the end all be all. It’s always important to weigh the diamond’s certificate against what it actually looks like and what your needs are for your engagement ring. Having a knowledgeable associate to help you is also a great idea. You deserve diamonds of the highest quality, so it’s essential to connect with a diamond dealer who is committed to these standards of excellence.

Experience in the Business

As far as diamonds go, knowledge is power. Many places that sell diamonds have consultants and jewelers on staff who are happy to answer questions. Do some research to find out how long a jewelry store has been in business and what kind of reputation they have. Word of mouth and customer reviews are great ways to learn more about your potential diamond seller. In this business, the more experience they have, the better. Here at Mervis Diamond Importers, we've been in business since the early 1900s. 

Direct Import and Conflict-Free Promises

Does your diamond store get their gems by direct import? Are these diamonds acquired in a conflict-free fashion? If you’re shopping at a quality jewelry store, the answer to both of these questions should certainly be yes. Direct importing of diamonds ensures a lower price on your ring, and conflict-free diamonds take the weight of worry off of everyone’s hearts and minds.

Guarantees

Before you buy your engagement ring, find out if your diamond dealer has any guarantees or other helpful policies. Some stores offer a lifetime trade-in guarantee if you wish to upgrade your diamond in the future. Check your dealer’s policy on damage and repairs to ensure that you get the best customer service possible.

Purchasing an engagement ring is an important step in the process of getting married. When you’re deciding the best place to buy your engagement ring, keep the abovementioned aspects in mind to have a positive diamond buying experience.  

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a diamond engagement ring, and one of the most practical aspects of this process is the question of financing the purchase.

The old fashioned rule stating that an engagement ring should cost three month's of a man's wages, is now a thing of the past. There's no hard and fast rule dictating what percentage of your income you will spend, though you can expect to spend at least $2,000 (with the average American engagement ring running near $4,000).

For example, you can get a sophisticated three-stone engagement ring, like the ArtCarved ring at right, for $1,735. In the middle of the price spectrum lies the the gorgeous, contemporary-feeling Bella Vita engagement ring, from Mervis's Halo Collection, for a little more than $3,000. On the higher end of the price range, consider the Tacori HT from the Channel collection at around $13,000--and have her feeling regal as a queen.

So now that you've found the perfect cut and style of diamond, how can you take it home with you to surprise your sweetheart? You've got two main financing options:

Through Your Jeweler

Your first resource should be the jeweler you're buying from, so make sure to choose a well-established and respected jeweler, as well as one that has a reputation for providing quality pieces at fair prices.

Stop into your local brick-and-mortar jeweler and ask about their financing options. Questions to ask:

• Does this store have any lines of credit available?
• Are you partnered with any credit card companies that are running credit lines for purchases like these?
• Are there any seasonal promotions going on right now? (Usually winter holidays and Valentine's Day give rise to such promotions.)

Through Your Bank, or Other Financial Institution

Don't be intimidated by taking out a personal loan! In the world of banking, the loan for an engagement ring is relatively small (compare it with the price of four years of college tuition or a new house).

Also keep in mind that the interest rates on personal loans tend to be less than those on credit cards. Research the terms at your current banking location, and determine if it's wiser to charge the ring on your current credit card, or to take out a personal loan.

Finally, know that your personal loan options from a bank are a secured, or an unsecured, loan. In a secured loan, you will offer the bank collateral--which they can repossess if you are unable to make loan payments. In an unsecured loan, you offer no collateral, but will pay a higher interest rate. 

At Mervis Diamond Importers, we believe in forming a personal relationship with our customers. Contact us today or stop in to one of our three locations in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia for consultations on the style and quality of your engagement ring, as well as your options for financing this purchase. We know that this is an exciting time in your life--so let us be there for you while you take the next big step: committing to the partner you love.