Expert shares insider tips on buying jewelry like a professional

January 31, 2025

Seirra Person,

JACKSON, Tenn. — Consumers spend approximately $25.8 billion to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with 22% of gift-givers purchasing jewelry.

But before you do, the best thing you can do to educate yourself, which isn’t as daunting as it might sound.

For example, a natural diamond ring may have a small inclusion that isn’t visible to the naked eye but this detail makes it more unique—and affordable. One diamond expert says it’s also important to understand the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds. While lab-grown diamonds can be inexpensive, natural diamonds are finite and rare, which drives their value.

“The first thing humans had discovered that they weren’t able to cut or polish or break or, you know, alter in any way. So it sort of started this folklore about what were diamonds? Were they from the gods, and you know all of these things?” said Grant Mobley, jewelry and watch editor for Only Natural Diamonds.