With gold prices touching an all-time high and diamonds losing its value in the past six months, customers find the latter affordable this festive season.
The jewellery-buying spree, which commences during Navratri, reaches a crescendo on Dhanteras — the day traditionally considered auspicious for purchasing gold. Unlike past year, when buying activity was subdued, owing to the global downturn, jewellery houses are expecting robust sales this time around.
However, jewellers feel that this year diamonds are eclipsing the yellow metal’s popularity, owing to the record-high gold rates.

But before buying diamond and gold this festive season, keep following points in mind.

What to look for in gold buy

Ensure that the gold you are buying is hallmarked and comes with a certification of purity.

Look for a jeweller who offers a buyback guarantee.

Compare the making charges and gold rate charged.

What to look for in diamond buy

Evaluate the diamond on the basis of the 4Cs — cut, colour, carat and clarity. Quality and price vary as per these parameters. In terms of clarity, VVS (very very slight inclusions) is the best grade. The cost difference between VVS and slightly included category (SI) diamonds is around 25%.

Enquire about the buyback policy of the jewellery store.

Insist on a certificate from other stores authenticating the diamond’s 4Cs the whole thing can be moved as lead3 at 12 and homeblock can become auto or IT.