We have all heard that faint yet compelling calling to buy those sheen diamonds from the luxury land of Dubai, UAE. The “city of gold” may appear as a great place to shop for diamonds due to its reputation for tax-free shopping, a competitive jewelry market, and its ranking as the world’s third-largest diamond trading center. It is a widespread belief among both residents and tourists to think that the city offers great bargains.

But before you purchase diamonds in Dubai, there are a few things you need to know. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from the most popular places to buy diamonds in Dubai to whether it’s cheaper to buy diamonds in Dubai.

What Do You Need to Know Before Buying Diamonds in Dubai?

According to UAE laws, all jewelers must provide certificates for each diamond product sold. Although this law was established to protect consumers, it also creates a problem. There is no agreement on the type of grading report or standards to be used for determining the quality of a diamond, which can lead to abuse and misrepresentation of goods.

It’s important to note that when jewelers sell diamonds without a reputable GIA/AGS report, they exaggerate the diamond’s qualities and deceive customers who unknowingly overpay for low-quality diamonds.

Another practice specific to diamonds in Dubai is that they are usually sold loose in a sealed packet. Customers cannot inspect the diamond up close or assess its light performance until they make a deposit or full payment.

This is due to the industry’s lack of trust and should serve as a warning sign for customers. Diamonds exchanged between wholesalers, and retailers are often packaged in sealed packets, which is why they are commonly sold in this manner in stores.

Here is a quick checklist to keep in mind before adding the Dubai bling without getting cheated on:

● Certification: Ensure the diamond you buy has been certified by a reputable organization such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Certification will provide information about the diamond’s carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.

● Quality: Look for diamonds that have good quality, which is determined by the 4 C’s: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. Diamonds with higher quality will have a higher value.

● Price: Compare prices from different retailers to ensure a fair price for the diamond. Remember that prices in Dubai may be lower than in other countries due to the city’s tax-free status.

● Reputation: Make sure you buy from a reputable retailer or diamond dealer. You can check the list of members of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG) for reputable dealers.

● Law and regulations: Be aware of the laws and regulations regarding the buying and selling diamonds in Dubai. Make sure you have all the required documents and research well about any laws or restrictions which may be specific to your country.

● Return policy: It’s always wise to check the return policy of the diamond retailer before buying in case you change your mind or find any defects in the diamond later on.

● Warranty: Some retailers might provide a warranty for the diamond, make sure to ask about it and check the terms and conditions.

Most Popular Places to Buy diamonds in Dubai

Is It Cheaper to Buy Diamonds in Dubai?

Dubai is known for its tax-free status, which can make diamonds cheaper in Dubai as compared to other countries. According to a report by IDEX Online, the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) has set a new record by reporting a trade of $19.8 billion in the first half of 2022, which is a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2021.

Do not let Dubai’s status of being the third largest diamond trading center in the world deceive you into thinking that diamonds are cheaper there. The fact that many diamonds pass through multiple hands in Dubai can increase prices as diamond traders in Dubai take their cut. However, this may not always be the case. Due to the high competition among retailers and wholesalers, some diamond prices may be comparable to other countries.

It is important to note that Dubai does not produce diamonds or have any mining activities. Every diamond and most of the jewelry sold in Dubai is imported, which can increase the cost. Additionally, overhead costs and retail markups can also contribute to higher prices. In fact, a comparison of prices for similar goods between diamond traders in Dubai, vendors in the Gold & Diamond Park, and online retailers such as Blue Nile and James Allen has shown that Dubai retailers can be more expensive by at least 20-30%.

Is It Worth It to Fly to Dubai To Buy a Diamond?

If your sole purpose in traveling to Dubai is to buy a diamond ring with the expectation of saving money, you may be disappointed. The potential savings on the diamond may not offset the cost of travel and time. Additionally, the risks associated with buying diamonds in Dubai, such as a lack of money-back guarantees and consumer protection, should be taken into consideration.

Tourists may be particularly vulnerable to scams in the souks and malls, and it can be difficult to seek recourse once they return home. If you are traveling to Dubai for other reasons and are interested in buying a diamond, it is recommended to do thorough research, compare prices, and only buy from reputable retailers to avoid potential issues.

Conclusion

In summary, it is important to be cautious when buying diamonds or engagement rings in Dubai. While it may have a reputation for competitive prices, one must be aware that many businesses may take advantage of uninformed consumers.

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