Finding a Quality 2+ Carat Diamond: Expert Advice & Where to Buy

Question
Dear Peter,I am in the market to replace my wedding ring with a new, larger quality diamond somewhere in the 2 carat or above range.  Could you direct me to any particular store online or any suggestions, because I live in Dothan, Alabama and most stores here just don't sell larger quality diamonds I thought I might have to travel to Montgomery, Alabama which is close, but I was wondering if you had any suggestions for getting a really good deal.
Thank you.

Answer
HI ANGELA,

THE MOST AND BEST DIAMONDS ARE IN NEW YORK CITY. BUT IF YOU CAN'T GET THERE THEN THE NEXT BEST THING IS TO GO ONLINE AND CHECK OUT DIAMONDS/WHOLESALE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF DEALERS AND MANY STONES TO CHOOSE FROM SO START WITH A SHORT COURSE ON HOW TO BUY A DIAMOND AT GIA.ORG . THEN RESEARCH THE COMPANIES AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE REPUTABLE. JUST CHECK WITH THE BBB IN THE TOWN THEY ARE DOING BUSINESS IN. YOU'LL FIND MOST ARE DECENT DIAMOND DEALERS. THE HARDEST PART IS NOT HOLDING AND SEEING THE STONE IN PERSON, BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE CERTIFICATES. THE BETTER THE QUALITY THE HIGHER THE PRICE. ALWAYS COMPARE LIKE TO LIKE FOR A COMPARABLE PRICE THAT IS ACCURATE. TRY TO ALWAYS GET A DIAMOND WITH A CERTIFICATE FROM GIA IF POSSIBLE.

OR YOU COULD WORK WITH A JEWELER CLOSER TO HOME AND BE ABLE TO ACTUALLY SEE AND TOUCH THE STONES. MOST JEWELERS HAVE SOURCES TO HAVE STONES BROUGHT IN TO SHOW CUSTOMERS. WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT YOU SHOULD LIKE THE STONE AND THINK IT IS JUST WHAT YOU WANTED. YOU WOULD HAVE MORE CONTROL AND IT WOULD BE MORE ENJOYABLE AND FUN. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS YOU'LL MAKE, BE SURE. GOOD LUCK.

THANKS

PETER