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Home > FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
BigDiamondsUSA, Inc.
Patrick Fay, Owner
29 East Madison Street
Suite #1510
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 877-795-1101 (within US) or 1-312-795-1100 (Outside the U.S.)
Appointment Hours: By Appointment Only, Monday – Friday, 2 PM – 6 PM Central Standard Time. We are closed on weekends.
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 12 PM - 7 PM Central Standard Time. We are closed on weekends.
Email Us at Anytime:
diamonds@bigdiamondsusa.com
What are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?
Clarity enhanced diamonds are 100% genuine natural diamonds mined from the ground like all diamonds are. The principle of the Clarity Enhancement Process is to make tiny cracks inside diamonds invisible to the eye. Almost every diamond has small internal blemishes including tiny surface reaching cracks. When light rays travel through a diamond the tiny crack reflects the light in such a way that the internal outline of the crack may be slightly visible to your naked eye. It is the outline of the crack that is made invisible through the enhancement process. After the enhancement process, light rays entering the diamond pass through the crack instead of reflecting off of it, thus giving you a visually better clarity and brilliant diamond. Sometimes jewelers refer to cracks inside diamonds as feathers or fissures... by definition they all mean the same.
How does the enhancement process work?
Before we understand the process we must first understand which diamonds are enhanced. During formation of diamonds in the earth's crust, and during the diamond cutting process, tiny cracks may appear inside the diamond at or near the surface. Visibility and location of the crack determine if the diamond clarity could be visually improved through the enhancement process. If when viewing a diamond from the top, a small crack is visible to the unaided eye, then this diamond is an excellent candidate for the enhancement process. During the enhancement process the diamond is heated to over 600 degrees, and a silica-like resin (which has a similar refractive index to diamond) is infused inside the diamond which bonds directly with the internal face of the tiny crack. The result of this bond is a diamond that allows light rays to pass through the crack, instead of reflecting off of it, and thus presenting you with a visually more beautiful diamond.
Why buy a Clarity Enhanced Diamond?
You can get a BIGGER, more BEAUTIFUL, more AFFORDABLE diamond for your money. Simply stated... get twice the size at half the price over non-enhanced diamonds.
Why choose BigDiamondsUSA.com for your clarity enhanced diamond?
We are the best and have more years of experience at selling enhanced diamonds than other sellers. At BigDiamondsUSA.com our business is strictly diamonds, and has been for over 30 years. We specialize in clarity enhanced diamonds, which are the best values in diamonds, making diamonds affordable for all consumers. Bigger and more affordable diamonds for your money! We have many hundreds of satisfied clients locally, nationally, and internationally, and with our qualifications and over 30 years of diamond knowledge and experience, for you, it will be like having an Uncle in the diamond business!
Are other gem stones such as Emeralds or Rubies enhanced or treated?
Yes. Almost ALL gem stones are enhanced or treated in one form or another. Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires are clarity enhanced just like diamonds. Rubies and Sapphires are also heat treated in very high temperatures to enhance and deepen their color. Blue Topaz and Aquamarines are heated and dyed to become bluer, Pearls are bleached, and Opals, Jade, and Onyx are dyed to enhance their color. From the beginning of time men and women have enhanced or altered everything around them. Next time you are at your jeweler ask them to show you a non-enhanced Emerald, Ruby, or Sapphire, or for that matter, any other precious or semi-precious stone they sell. If they are honest, they will inform you that almost all precious and semi-precious gemstones have undergone some type of enhancement or treatment process. What this should mean to you, is that enhancements in gemstones is as common as finding a gold ring for sale in a jewelry store.
Are clarity enhanced diamonds at BigDiamondsUSA certified?
Yes. ALL of our diamonds at BigDiamondsUSA are graded by G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist's, and a Diamond Grading Certificate is provided by United Gem Laboratory. Clarity grades are based on appearance after enhancement. United Gem Laboratory is an Independent Gem Laboratory located in Chicago servicing the local jewelry trade.
How do I clean and care for my clarity enhanced diamond?
For cleaning your diamond and keeping it sparkling just like the day you received it, we suggest using a soft toothbrush to gently brush the underside and surface of the diamond to remove any dried hand soap, hand lotion, etc., which has adhered to the diamond during everyday wear, and causes diamonds to appear dull. The gentle action of the brush will loosen and remove any dirt buildup or residue on the diamond, keeping it looking new and sparkling just like the day you received it. We also provide ammonia free liquid jewelry cleaner for safe cleaning of your clarity enhanced diamond. Studies have shown that pure ammonia such as those found in store purchased jewelry cleaners have been known to affect or alter the enhancement process. Therefore, we have provided you with a container of jewelry cleaner that is ammonia free, and safe for all diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry. Also, home cleaning products containing ammonia such as Windex which you may use in your home are deemed safe when using and wearing your clarity enhanced diamond at the same time.
Where can I get Ammonia Free Jewelry Cleaner?
Simply contact us when you are out of your ammonia free jewelry cleaner, and we will be happy to ship you more FREE of charge!
Are ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning safe for enhanced diamonds?
Yes. Steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners are safe methods for cleaning your clarity enhanced diamonds. Most jewelers use steam and ultrasonic cleaners when offering to clean your ring while in their store, so there is no problem with those methods.
Should I inform my jeweler that my diamond is clarity enhanced before having it repaired?
YES! The enhancement process is so difficult to detect even your jeweler may not detect that it was enhanced. Always inform your jeweler that your diamond has been enhanced. If the repair requires heat from a jewelers welding torch then we suggest informing your jeweler to temporarily remove the diamond from the setting to perform the repair, then simply re-set your diamond into the ring. Repairs that require heat from a jewelers welding torch are ring re-sizing, prong replacement, and the soldering of two rings together. At BigDiamondsUSA we offer free ring repair on all of the rings we sell. Simply send it back to us and let us take care of the rest.
Is there a Warranty on the enhancement process?
Yes. ALL of our clarity enhanced diamonds at BigDiamondsUSA.com have a Lifetime Warranty Certificate. We warranty the clarity enhancement process for life, so that in an unlikely event that it becomes altered in any way, regardless of fault, we will restore the enhancement free of charge.
Do Clarity Enhanced Diamonds Hold Their Value?
YES! Clarity enhanced diamonds, like all diamonds, hold their value according to normal price fluctuations of diamonds, and the current market values and conditions. As a matter of fact it has been shown that enhanced diamonds have greater trade-in value over non-enhanced diamonds.
Can I get jewelry insurance on my clarity enhanced diamond?
Yes. All insurance companies recognize and insure clarity enhanced diamonds. Remember enhanced diamonds are 100% natural genuine diamonds. Insurance companies require an appraisal of the diamonds Retail Replacement Value for insuring. Simply provide your insurance company with the appraisal report we provided you at the point of sale.
What company should we use for insuring our diamond?
We recommend Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company for insuring your jewelry! Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 and remains the leading insurer solely dedicated to insuring your personal jewelry and the jewelry industry. They insure our company and 90% of all jewelry stores in the United States. They provide competitive rates, excellent customer service, and flawless diamond replacement in the event of a loss. No matter what quality diamond you have, remember that protecting your diamond investment with jewelry insurance will give you "peace of mind" as well as a new replacement diamond in the event of loss, damage, or theft. Be rest assured that with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company there is no need for specialty insurance or separate jewelry riders as Jewelers Mutual covers all types of fine jewelry.
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company provides coverage for individuals' personal jewelry for residents throughout the U.S. They are licensed in all 50 states in the U.S. and in Canada. They have earned an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best for more than 20 years. They are a mutual company owned by our jeweler policyholders and individuals who purchase our Personal Jewelry insurance. They are represented by independent agents throughout the U.S. and in Canada. Agents provide local service to our commercial jeweler policyholders. For more information, you may visit their website anytime at www.jewelersmutual.com or you may Simply Click Here to go Directly to Jewelers Mutual's Website Now
Is it safe to buy a diamond on your website?
Yes. BigDiamondsUSA takes every precaution to protect our customers' information. We use the latest data encryption technology, Secure Socket Layers (SSLs), to protect against any loss, misuse, or alteration of your information. Therefore, ordering a diamond from us is very safe and secure. Plus there is no risk to you: we provide FREE ring sizing, FREE FedEx shipping overnight to you, and a 7-day No Risk return policy. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply email us within 7 days of the receipt of the ring, and you can have a full refund or you may choose to upgrade or exchange for another diamond ring.
What are the details of the return policy?
At BigDiamondsUSA, we offer an exclusive 7-Day No Risk Money Back Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, then please email us within 7 days of receipt of the item for our No Hassle. No Questions Asked. No Explanation Necessary Return/Refund request notification. Please read the details of our return/refund policy shown below.
RETURN-REFUND POLICY: A seven (7) day inspection/evaluation period is granted. Return for Refund request must be requested within the 7 day inspection period which begins on the day you receive the item including weekends and holidays. At the end of the seventh day, all sales are considered final, and the return for refund privilege ends. After the seven (7) day return policy has expired... then buyer accepts item as described, and any claims thereafter of item not as described or claims of shoddy craftsmanship regardless of other professional and or second opinions are not accepted under any circumstance. The jewelry item you have purchased is new, and in new unworn condition when shipped to you. Any item returned for refund which show any sign of wear or damage are not be eligible for refund under any circumstance. Special order or custom made rings to customer specifications are not returnable for refund under any circumstance. ALL Return/Refund request notifications must be requested via email within the 7 day inspection period, and the item must be returned in new unworn undamaged condition, and in our possession within 7 days of return request. Telephone or voice mail return/refund request are not accepted under any circumstance. Buyer pays return shipping and insurance cost, and assumes and bears all responsibility for loss of item during transit. Submit Return/Refund request to this email only diamonds@bigdiamondsusa.com
We welcome ALL your inquiries and have answers to ALL of your questions... We are the experts in clarity enhanced diamonds. We know our diamonds well and can assist you in selecting the perfect diamond. Our hours of operation are 11am-7pm Central Standard Time. If you reach our voice mail please make sure to leave us a message, and we will return your call ASAP. You can also email us at diamonds@BigDiamondsUSA.com or chat with us live using our Live Support. You can also submit us a message using the Comment Box (click here)=> Contact Us We look forward to hearing from you!!!
Patrick Fay, Owner
29 East Madison Street
Suite #1510
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 877-795-1101 (within US) or 1-312-795-1100 (Outside the U.S.)
Appointment Hours: By Appointment Only, Monday – Friday, 2 PM – 6 PM Central Standard Time. We are closed on weekends.
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 12 PM - 7 PM Central Standard Time. We are closed on weekends.
Email Us at Anytime:
diamonds@bigdiamondsusa.com
What are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?
Clarity enhanced diamonds are 100% genuine natural diamonds mined from the ground like all diamonds are. The principle of the Clarity Enhancement Process is to make tiny cracks inside diamonds invisible to the eye. Almost every diamond has small internal blemishes including tiny surface reaching cracks. When light rays travel through a diamond the tiny crack reflects the light in such a way that the internal outline of the crack may be slightly visible to your naked eye. It is the outline of the crack that is made invisible through the enhancement process. After the enhancement process, light rays entering the diamond pass through the crack instead of reflecting off of it, thus giving you a visually better clarity and brilliant diamond. Sometimes jewelers refer to cracks inside diamonds as feathers or fissures... by definition they all mean the same.
How does the enhancement process work?
Before we understand the process we must first understand which diamonds are enhanced. During formation of diamonds in the earth's crust, and during the diamond cutting process, tiny cracks may appear inside the diamond at or near the surface. Visibility and location of the crack determine if the diamond clarity could be visually improved through the enhancement process. If when viewing a diamond from the top, a small crack is visible to the unaided eye, then this diamond is an excellent candidate for the enhancement process. During the enhancement process the diamond is heated to over 600 degrees, and a silica-like resin (which has a similar refractive index to diamond) is infused inside the diamond which bonds directly with the internal face of the tiny crack. The result of this bond is a diamond that allows light rays to pass through the crack, instead of reflecting off of it, and thus presenting you with a visually more beautiful diamond.
Why buy a Clarity Enhanced Diamond?
You can get a BIGGER, more BEAUTIFUL, more AFFORDABLE diamond for your money. Simply stated... get twice the size at half the price over non-enhanced diamonds.
Why choose BigDiamondsUSA.com for your clarity enhanced diamond?
We are the best and have more years of experience at selling enhanced diamonds than other sellers. At BigDiamondsUSA.com our business is strictly diamonds, and has been for over 30 years. We specialize in clarity enhanced diamonds, which are the best values in diamonds, making diamonds affordable for all consumers. Bigger and more affordable diamonds for your money! We have many hundreds of satisfied clients locally, nationally, and internationally, and with our qualifications and over 30 years of diamond knowledge and experience, for you, it will be like having an Uncle in the diamond business!
Are other gem stones such as Emeralds or Rubies enhanced or treated?
Yes. Almost ALL gem stones are enhanced or treated in one form or another. Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires are clarity enhanced just like diamonds. Rubies and Sapphires are also heat treated in very high temperatures to enhance and deepen their color. Blue Topaz and Aquamarines are heated and dyed to become bluer, Pearls are bleached, and Opals, Jade, and Onyx are dyed to enhance their color. From the beginning of time men and women have enhanced or altered everything around them. Next time you are at your jeweler ask them to show you a non-enhanced Emerald, Ruby, or Sapphire, or for that matter, any other precious or semi-precious stone they sell. If they are honest, they will inform you that almost all precious and semi-precious gemstones have undergone some type of enhancement or treatment process. What this should mean to you, is that enhancements in gemstones is as common as finding a gold ring for sale in a jewelry store.
Are clarity enhanced diamonds at BigDiamondsUSA certified?
Yes. ALL of our diamonds at BigDiamondsUSA are graded by G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist's, and a Diamond Grading Certificate is provided by United Gem Laboratory. Clarity grades are based on appearance after enhancement. United Gem Laboratory is an Independent Gem Laboratory located in Chicago servicing the local jewelry trade.
How do I clean and care for my clarity enhanced diamond?
For cleaning your diamond and keeping it sparkling just like the day you received it, we suggest using a soft toothbrush to gently brush the underside and surface of the diamond to remove any dried hand soap, hand lotion, etc., which has adhered to the diamond during everyday wear, and causes diamonds to appear dull. The gentle action of the brush will loosen and remove any dirt buildup or residue on the diamond, keeping it looking new and sparkling just like the day you received it. We also provide ammonia free liquid jewelry cleaner for safe cleaning of your clarity enhanced diamond. Studies have shown that pure ammonia such as those found in store purchased jewelry cleaners have been known to affect or alter the enhancement process. Therefore, we have provided you with a container of jewelry cleaner that is ammonia free, and safe for all diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry. Also, home cleaning products containing ammonia such as Windex which you may use in your home are deemed safe when using and wearing your clarity enhanced diamond at the same time.
Where can I get Ammonia Free Jewelry Cleaner?
Simply contact us when you are out of your ammonia free jewelry cleaner, and we will be happy to ship you more FREE of charge!
Are ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning safe for enhanced diamonds?
Yes. Steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners are safe methods for cleaning your clarity enhanced diamonds. Most jewelers use steam and ultrasonic cleaners when offering to clean your ring while in their store, so there is no problem with those methods.
Should I inform my jeweler that my diamond is clarity enhanced before having it repaired?
YES! The enhancement process is so difficult to detect even your jeweler may not detect that it was enhanced. Always inform your jeweler that your diamond has been enhanced. If the repair requires heat from a jewelers welding torch then we suggest informing your jeweler to temporarily remove the diamond from the setting to perform the repair, then simply re-set your diamond into the ring. Repairs that require heat from a jewelers welding torch are ring re-sizing, prong replacement, and the soldering of two rings together. At BigDiamondsUSA we offer free ring repair on all of the rings we sell. Simply send it back to us and let us take care of the rest.
Is there a Warranty on the enhancement process?
Yes. ALL of our clarity enhanced diamonds at BigDiamondsUSA.com have a Lifetime Warranty Certificate. We warranty the clarity enhancement process for life, so that in an unlikely event that it becomes altered in any way, regardless of fault, we will restore the enhancement free of charge.
Do Clarity Enhanced Diamonds Hold Their Value?
YES! Clarity enhanced diamonds, like all diamonds, hold their value according to normal price fluctuations of diamonds, and the current market values and conditions. As a matter of fact it has been shown that enhanced diamonds have greater trade-in value over non-enhanced diamonds.
Can I get jewelry insurance on my clarity enhanced diamond?
Yes. All insurance companies recognize and insure clarity enhanced diamonds. Remember enhanced diamonds are 100% natural genuine diamonds. Insurance companies require an appraisal of the diamonds Retail Replacement Value for insuring. Simply provide your insurance company with the appraisal report we provided you at the point of sale.
What company should we use for insuring our diamond?
We recommend Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company for insuring your jewelry! Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 and remains the leading insurer solely dedicated to insuring your personal jewelry and the jewelry industry. They insure our company and 90% of all jewelry stores in the United States. They provide competitive rates, excellent customer service, and flawless diamond replacement in the event of a loss. No matter what quality diamond you have, remember that protecting your diamond investment with jewelry insurance will give you "peace of mind" as well as a new replacement diamond in the event of loss, damage, or theft. Be rest assured that with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company there is no need for specialty insurance or separate jewelry riders as Jewelers Mutual covers all types of fine jewelry.
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company provides coverage for individuals' personal jewelry for residents throughout the U.S. They are licensed in all 50 states in the U.S. and in Canada. They have earned an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best for more than 20 years. They are a mutual company owned by our jeweler policyholders and individuals who purchase our Personal Jewelry insurance. They are represented by independent agents throughout the U.S. and in Canada. Agents provide local service to our commercial jeweler policyholders. For more information, you may visit their website anytime at www.jewelersmutual.com or you may Simply Click Here to go Directly to Jewelers Mutual's Website Now
Is it safe to buy a diamond on your website?
Yes. BigDiamondsUSA takes every precaution to protect our customers' information. We use the latest data encryption technology, Secure Socket Layers (SSLs), to protect against any loss, misuse, or alteration of your information. Therefore, ordering a diamond from us is very safe and secure. Plus there is no risk to you: we provide FREE ring sizing, FREE FedEx shipping overnight to you, and a 7-day No Risk return policy. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply email us within 7 days of the receipt of the ring, and you can have a full refund or you may choose to upgrade or exchange for another diamond ring.
What are the details of the return policy?
At BigDiamondsUSA, we offer an exclusive 7-Day No Risk Money Back Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, then please email us within 7 days of receipt of the item for our No Hassle. No Questions Asked. No Explanation Necessary Return/Refund request notification. Please read the details of our return/refund policy shown below.
RETURN-REFUND POLICY: A seven (7) day inspection/evaluation period is granted. Return for Refund request must be requested within the 7 day inspection period which begins on the day you receive the item including weekends and holidays. At the end of the seventh day, all sales are considered final, and the return for refund privilege ends. After the seven (7) day return policy has expired... then buyer accepts item as described, and any claims thereafter of item not as described or claims of shoddy craftsmanship regardless of other professional and or second opinions are not accepted under any circumstance. The jewelry item you have purchased is new, and in new unworn condition when shipped to you. Any item returned for refund which show any sign of wear or damage are not be eligible for refund under any circumstance. Special order or custom made rings to customer specifications are not returnable for refund under any circumstance. ALL Return/Refund request notifications must be requested via email within the 7 day inspection period, and the item must be returned in new unworn undamaged condition, and in our possession within 7 days of return request. Telephone or voice mail return/refund request are not accepted under any circumstance. Buyer pays return shipping and insurance cost, and assumes and bears all responsibility for loss of item during transit. Submit Return/Refund request to this email only diamonds@bigdiamondsusa.com
We welcome ALL your inquiries and have answers to ALL of your questions... We are the experts in clarity enhanced diamonds. We know our diamonds well and can assist you in selecting the perfect diamond. Our hours of operation are 11am-7pm Central Standard Time. If you reach our voice mail please make sure to leave us a message, and we will return your call ASAP. You can also email us at diamonds@BigDiamondsUSA.com or chat with us live using our Live Support. You can also submit us a message using the Comment Box (click here)=> Contact Us We look forward to hearing from you!!!
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I received the ring this morning. It was beyond amazing. I'm so glad that I came across Big ... read more
