inside costco
Costco’s diamond program leaves no stone unturned
Consumer reporter Pat Volchok gives a behind-the-scenes look at Costco products and services. Send your questions about this article to: buyingsmart@costco.com.
BuyingSmart
THERE’S A TWINKLE on Costco.ca and in
warehouses right now that has nothing to do
with holiday lights. The source is Costco’s jewellery department, brightly radiating a treasure trove of diamonds and other precious
gems specially crafted into gorgeous rings,
necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants.
One sparkling section of Costco’s jewel-
lery box is high-end diamonds. Each is a thor-
oughbred of distinction, beauty and character,
and ideal for those extraordinary life events,
such as an engagement, anniversary or special
recognition—or unique Christmas gift.
Carat weight for Costco high-end diamonds typically ranges from 1.00 to 2.00
carats. Specifications top out at IF (
internally flawless) clarity, D colour (the highest
grade, colourless white). Most warehouses
carry a very limited selection of one-of-a-kind diamonds 1 carat or larger.
Costco.ca carries unique diamonds that
you won’t find in the warehouses, with new
pieces continuously added. Costco.ca ships
direct to home. Search for these diamonds on
Costco.ca under “Jewellery & Fashion.”
(Shipping and handling are included for diamonds ordered on Costco.ca.)
EVERY COSTCO GEM has its own distinct personality, as no two are alike.
This is why Costco’s in-house forensic
gemologists, graduates of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), reinspect every stone and setting to
ensure all exceed Costco expectations.
Each Costco diamond 1.0 ctw to
1. 24 ctw comes with an International
Gemological Information (IGI) grading
report. Stones 1. 25 ctw and larger or
those graded higher than I/VS2 come
with an IGI and/or a GIA report.
Canadian stones of any size come
with an IGI grading report and Canadian Diamond Certification. And if the
IGI reports references the GIA, both
reports are included with the purchase.
A GIA grading report is akin to the
birth certificate of a finished, unmounted stone. A plot (map) is provided
showing the shape and facets of the
stone and noting flaws or identifying
characteristics. This dossier can be of
great help if the diamond is ever lost or
stolen and needs to be replaced, or if
you feel the stone was “switched”
during cleaning.—PV
Appraisal
included
No compromise on quality
Encompassing a wide range of prices, all
Costco diamonds are guaranteed VS2 clarity
(very slight inclusion or flaw that can only be
seen with a 10x microscope) and I colour or
better, explains Heide Hudson, a Costco.ca
assistant jewellery buyer and graduate gem-
ologist.
Warehouse diamond shopping is particu-
larly good for procrastinators who need to
purchase immediately, those who prefer to get
up close and personal before buying or mem-
bers like me who always enjoy looking and
dreaming. New items arrive weekly.
Heather Houston, buyer, warehouse jew-
ellery items, notes, “Many members have
done their homework and know what they
want. We give them the opportunity to walk
in and choose from a small assortment.”
Costco’s jewellery buyers work directly
with some of the most intensely vetted, reputable diamond and gemstone suppliers in
the industry. Together they make sure that
