Another treatment - lasering - involves use of a laser beam to improve appearance of diamonds that have black inclusions or spots. A laser beam is aimed at inclusion. Acid is then forced through a tiny tunnel made by laser beam to remove inclusion. Lasering is permanent and a laser-drilled stone does not require special care.

While a laser-drilled diamond may appear as beautiful as a comparable untreated stone, it may not be as valuable. That's because an untreated stone of same quality is rarer and therefore more valuable. Jewelers should tell you whether diamond you're considering has been laser-drilled.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less costly. Certain laboratory-created gemstones, such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be adequately detected by instruments originally used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has current testing equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-created stones.

When shopping for diamond jewelry online, apply these tips. 1.Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it. 2.Take advantage of information and referrals from an Internet company you have come to trust. 3.Get details about product, as well as merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy. 4.Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.