FlexQuestions.com | Your Information Companion

5 mistakes to avoid when buying lab-grown diamonds

5 mistakes to avoid when buying lab-grown diamonds

Diamonds are a popular gifting option. However, natural ones are usually expensive and may not be procured through ethical mediums. So, the ideal solution for most individuals is to purchase lab-grown ones. However, most buyers may be unable to tell the difference between those mined naturally and a lab-created diamond, which could lead to spending on something they do not want. Here are six such errors one should avoid for a seamless purchase.

Skimping on research
Buyers who rush into a diamond purchase may not get the best value for money. One should ensure sufficient research before buying a diamond online or in a store. The buyer should understand the shape, size, and carat weight required. Additionally, one should set parameters, such as the budget and the style they want to buy. Thorough research ensures that one is knowledgeable about what one wants, which may help reduce the chances of getting scammed by a seller.

Overlooking the 4C’s
No two diamonds are the same. Therefore, the price or value of each is determined by the 4C’s. Not being well-versed with or overlooking this determining factor could result in poor identification of a lab-grown one. It may also result in one spending on an inferior product. The 4C’s stand cut, clarity, color, and carat.

Not asking for a certificate
Artificial diamonds are graded and certified by certification institutions such as the International Gemological Institute, GIA, and GCAL. If a diamond isn’t certified, one should refrain from buying it. A diamond assures proper grading of a lab-grown diamond against the 4Cs. The certificate will also protect bytes and sellers by stating that the loose one meets the required quality and standard.

Purchasing from an unknown source
Those who purchase diamonds from an unknown source or unethical sellers and brands might get into a tight situation. While this may help save money, the individual could be misguided, cheated, and misled during the purchase. One should purchase from a reputable diamond seller in business for several years. Though it may cost more, one will get the money’s worth. Additionally, whether buying from a new or an older seller, one should always check the history and credentials of the lab diamond seller before making a purchase.

Falling for heavy discounts
Diamond sellers may offer massive discounts on various pieces, which can be tempting. However, one should remember that the lower price is often because the gemstone is of poor quality, while some might be fake. Buyers should remember that the price of a diamond usually drops during festivals and seasonal sales. One ought to stick to the original rate set according to the 4Cs to get the best man-made diamond for the price they pay.

Popular Reads

4 popular credit cards for college students

4 popular credit cards for college students

A good credit score is essential as it can be a criterion for lucrative job prospects or renting an apartment. Moreover, a good credit score is an uncompromisable necessity while applying for a loan that has terms and conditions that favor you. To ensure that you have a good credit score, it is better to start building it young and early. One of the easiest ways to do so is by applying for a student credit card from prominent credit cards companies. Now, there are several credit cards companies that offer lucrative credit cards, making choosing the right one confusing. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the best credit cards companies that offer student credit cards. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: One of the biggest credit card companies in the country Bank of America offers a slew of benefits with its student credit card. With each dollar spent using this card, students can earn 1.5 points. This applies to purchases without any caps. The points can be redeemed as discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. There are no restrictions or blackout dates applicable for availing these discounts. With no foreign transaction fee or annual fee, the card allows one to earn nearly 25,000 points on spending about $1000 in the first 90 days.

What you must know about guaranteed business loans

If you’re looking for funding your small business with a loan, you’ll most likely come across the term “guaranteed business loans.” People often misunderstand this term as business loans that are guaranteed to be approved. But, this is not what guaranteed business loans means. To clarify the confusion, let’s understand what the term actually means, and discuss the most popular types of guaranteed business loans. What are guaranteed business loans? In simple terms, guaranteed business loans in the world of small business loans refer to loans that are secured or backed by a guarantee. The guarantee can be in the form of collateral, deposit, or an agreement. This essentially means that the lender is guaranteed to receive their money back even if the borrower fails to pay. When we talk about guaranteed business loans, we refer to loans with a personal guarantee or, more commonly, loans guaranteed by the small business administration (SBA). Let’s take a look at both these types. Personally guaranteed business loans As you understand from the term “personal,” when you make a personal guarantee on a business loan, you essentially agree to sell your assets to pay off the loan, if your business is unable to do so.

5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

Exchange-traded funds (ETF) have been gaining popularity in the investment sector for some time now. Along with mutual funds, they have been one of the most preferred investment options among investors. With investors having pumped in billions of dollars in ETFs by now, these funds sure seem like a lucrative investment avenue. However, financial experts suggest treading this path carefully so as to avoid unforeseeable losses. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid while investing in high dividend ETFs: Overlooking long-term investment Looking at long-term goals is the golden rule when it comes to any type of investment. However, seasoned investors invest in ETFs on a short-term basis through a type of trading called intraday trade. This type of trading allows the investors to buy and sell stocks and other investments on the same day. However, if not thought out carefully, investing in high dividend ETFs through intraday trading can result in lower returns and higher trading costs. Buying an ETF simply based on its name This is one of the most common mistakes people make when investing in high dividend ETFs. Investors may think that an ETF’s name provides an insight into its investment reach, i.e., whether the ETF has local or/and global investors.

How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage provides the elderly access to equity in their homes and supplements their income. With its flexible repayment option, it gives homeowners more control over their money. However, the government has laid out strict rules and guidelines concerning reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. So, if you’re considering a reverse mortgage, read on to know the reverse mortgage eligibility criteria and the types of reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgage eligibility criteria The first criterion for a reverse mortgage is that the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years of age. If your spouse is under the age of 62, you might still be eligible if you meet other reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. If you’re not 62 or older than 62, then you won’t qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you satisfy the criteria mentioned below. You must be the primary resident of the home you’re seeking a reverse mortgage for. Note that vacation homes or rental properties do not qualify. You must either entirely own the house or have at least 50% equity in it. If you have any mortgage balance remaining while applying for a reverse mortgage, you must be in a financial position to pay off that balance.

5 benefits of opting for debt settlement

Debt settlement can be a financial lifesaver for many. Managing debt is quite a difficult task. With every advancing payment due date, one may feel their finances getting tighter and tighter. Between paying for a house mortgage, student loans, credit card debt, personal loans, and many other debts, it is quite common to miss out on paying one payment. Although it may not seem like a big problem initially, this is not good for financial health in the long term. This is where debt settlement comes in. There are multiple benefits to availing debt settlement offered by some of the top 10 debt settlement companies. No more bills With debt settlement, no more bills will be incoming in the mailbox. Debt settlement results in the closure of a debt account by the creditor. In such cases, one will not be able to use their credit cards again. However, this can be beneficial since it will prevent further debt in the future. With debt settlement, there is a permanent erasure of debt. No more collection calls With mounting debt, the calls of creditors are always incessant. If one if falling behind on too many bills, they are bound to be subjected to creditor calls throughout the day.