Before making a diamond purchase one must know the 4 C's first; carat weight, clarity, color and cut (not shape). Other advanced characteristics of diamonds include fluorescence and enhancements. By understanding what all the characteristics are and what to ask when purchasing a diamond, you are much more empowered when it comes time to make your investment. When purchasing diamonds either for your engagement ring, stud earrings, tennis bracelets or other jewelry, make sure you select best stones that suit that type of jewelry application.

Why buying diamonds online is always advantageous?

The safest method of payment online when buying a diamond will always be with the use of your credit card. If your card is ever billed for a charge you did not authorize, simply call your bank and have them issue a charge back.

A charge back is when you are refunded your money for a transaction you did not authorize, did not receive goods for, or were defrauded in some way. The main reasons why buying diamonds online is so safe. Anything you purchase online with a credit card is basically protected against fraudulent use.

If you purchase a diamond online and are told it is a 1.00-carat diamond, G color, VS1 clarity, Good Cut and it is not --- simply tell the merchant you intend to issue a charge back unless he refunds your money.

They are obligated to respond to you in a timely manner to get the charge reversed or resolved in some manner you deem suitable. It's always best to call them first because you can often bypass the entire charge back procedure. Simply tell the merchant if you are not compensated to your satisfaction, you will go for a charge back. It is in their best interest to try to satisfy you because if the charge back is successful, it could hurt their credit rating.

If after you've called them and they are unwilling to refund you in some way, call your credit card company and tell them you would like to dispute a charge and initiate a charge back. They will ask you the story. Afterwards, the bank will react as per their policy. Follow the instructions as directed by the bank. They may tell you to ship the merchandise you were given back to the merchant as well.

Once you've done everything they've told you to do, they should refund you your money. The merchant has 30-60 days to dispute the charge back. The credit card companies often side with the cardholder, so in most cases you will win if you can prove that you have been cheated in the process.

Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, a free wedding planning guide about weddings. You may publish our articles on your website only if you do not edit the article in any way, and include all html as direct links to our site. Visit us at www.my-wedding-blog.com