FAQ | Kirthi Diamond Jewellery

Frequently asked questions

Welcome to the Kirthi Diamond Jewellery FAQ section, where we address all your burning questions about the fascinating jewellery industry. Our commitment to educating our clients about stones, gems, and diamonds reflects our dedication to transparency and trust. We update this section regularly to ensure you have access to the latest insights and information. Should you have queries that aren’t covered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re eager to help you navigate the beautiful world of fine jewellery!

Where to look and what to look for ?

Kochi's main jewellery districts include MG Road, Broadway, and Edapally Bypass Road. Most established jewellers offer bridal collections ranging from traditional Kerala temple designs to contemporary styles.

What to look for:

GIA or IGI certification on all diamonds
Transparent pricing with itemized invoices
Lifetime exchange policies
Custom design services
BIS hallmarking on gold

Kerala Outfits and what to wear with it ?

Kerala outfits are famous for their elegance and simplicity, defined largely by the Kasavu style—off-white or cream cotton fabric with a distinctive gold border (Zari).

Here is a guide on traditional Kerala attire for men and women, along with exactly what to wear with it to complete the look.

1. For Women: The Kasavu Saree & Set Mundu

There are two main variations of the traditional dress. Both look similar but are draped differently.

Mundum Neriyathum (Set Mundu): The most authentic traditional attire. It is a two-piece garment; one piece wraps around the waist (Mundu) and the other drapes over the shoulder (Neriyathum).
Kasavu Saree: A regular single-piece saree that mimics the look of the Set Mundu. This is more common today for weddings and formal events.

What to Wear With It (Styling)

The Blouse:
- Traditional: Match the gold border with a golden tissue blouse, or use deep traditional colors like Emerald Green or Maroon.
- Modern: High-neck styles, boat necks, or blouses with Mural paintings (traditional Kerala art depicting mythology) are very trendy.
Jewelry (Crucial for the look):
- Gold is King: Kerala attire relies heavily on gold jewelry.
- Necklaces: Layering is popular. Look for traditional designs like Palakka Mala (Green leaf-shaped stones), Kasu Mala (Coin necklace), or Nagapadam (Snake hood design).
- Earrings: Jhumkas (Jimikki) are the standard pairing.
Hair:
- Tie your hair in a loose bun or a braid.
- Fresh Jasmine flowers (Mulla Poovu) wrapped around the bun are almost mandatory for an authentic festive look.
Makeup:
- Keep it minimal but defined. Thick Kohl (Kajal) rimmed eyes and a Red Bindi are classic elements.

Customization and how to get it done ?

Yes, most established jewellers in Kerala offer custom design services. The typical process includes:

Design consultation (usually free)
Diamond selection from certified inventory
3D preview or sketches
Crafting timeline: 2-4 weeks
Final delivery with certification

What to ask:

"Can I see your portfolio of custom work?"
"What's included in the design fee?"
"Can I approve the design before crafting begins?"
"Will my diamond be GIA or IGI certified?"

Solitaire certificate and what to check ?

Step 1 - Check the certification body:

Look for GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificates. These are internationally recognized standards.

Step 2 - Verify online:

GIA: Visit GIA.edu/report-check
IGI: Visit IGI.org/verify-your-report

Enter the certificate number and confirm the 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Clarity, Colour) match what you're being shown.

Step 3 - Check laser inscription:

Certified diamonds above 0.3 carats typically have microscopic laser inscriptions on the girdle. Ask the jeweller to show you under 10x magnification - the number should match the certificate.

Red flags:

Jeweller refuses to let you verify certificate online
No laser inscription on supposedly certified diamonds
Certificate looks photocopied or altered
Certificate from unknown labs

GIA vs IGI - which certification is better?

GIA (Gemological Institute of America):

Strictest grading standards globally
Generally grades more conservatively
Higher resale value internationally
Slightly higher certification cost

IGI (International Gemological Institute):

Widely accepted in India and internationally
Good value for money
Faster certification process
Popular for diamonds under 1 carat

Independent? Why Boutiques?

Why independent jewellers often provide better value:

1. Direct pricing (10-25% savings)

Without franchise fees, national advertising costs, or corporate margins, family-owned jewellers can offer the same certified diamonds at lower prices. You're paying for the diamond and craftsmanship - not brand marketing.

2. Personalized relationships

You work directly with owners and master craftsmen who have reputational stakes in your satisfaction. Your purchase isn't a transaction number - it's a relationship that often spans generations.

3. Custom design flexibility

Boutique jewellers aren't restricted to corporate-approved designs. They can create truly unique pieces, modify traditional designs, or replicate family heirlooms without design committee approval.

4. Negotiation room

Independent jewellers have flexibility to adjust making charges, offer personalized payment plans, or create custom packages - especially for bridal sets or bulk purchases.

5. Expert craftsmanship

Many family-owned jewellers have in-house workshops with generational expertise. You're accessing craftsmen who've perfected Kerala's traditional designs over decades.

6. Local accountability

A boutique jeweller's reputation is everything in their community. They can't afford poor service - their business depends on word-of-mouth and repeat customers.

Invest in gold ? Invest in diamonds?

Realistic expectations:

Gold:

High liquidity - easy to sell
Transparent daily pricing
Resale value: 95-98% of current gold rate
Better for short-term (3-5 years)

Diamonds:

Appreciation: 3-5% annually for quality pieces
Lower liquidity than gold
Resale value: 70-85% initially, improves over time
Better for long-term (10+ years) or heirloom pieces

Investment-grade diamonds:

GIA certified minimum
Colour: D-H (near colourless)
Clarity: VS2 or better
Cut: Excellent or Very Good
Minimum 0.5 carat

Honest advice: Don't buy diamond jewellery purely as investment. Buy pieces you'll wear and enjoy that also hold value over time. Gold Jewellery will lose all of the marking charge a gold bar would be better investment, all jewellery should be seen as art that you wear.

When i give it back what to expect ?

Exchange policies:

Most jewellers offer lifetime exchange on their own jewellery
Exchange value: Usually 100% of gold + diamond value
You pay: Difference in price + new making charges

Buyback policies (less common):

Gold component: Current rate minus 2-5% processing
Diamond component: 70-90% of market value (if certified)
Usually only for purchases above certain value

What to ask before buying:

"What's your exchange policy after 5 years?"
"Do you offer buyback or only exchange?"
"Can I get the policy in writing on my invoice?"
"Are there any conditions or time limits?"

Important: Get all policies in writing on your invoice. Verbal promises aren't enforceable.

Better resale value:

Keep all documentation (invoice, certificate, box)
Maintain jewellery condition
Choose GIA-certified diamonds for Solitaires.

Why this jeweller?

Essential credentials:

Minimum 10+ years in business
Physical showroom with permanent address
BIS license for hallmarking
Member of recognized jewellery associations
Transparent pricing with itemized invoices

Good signs:

Encourages independent certificate verification
Offers written exchange/buyback policies
Allows time for decision-making (no pressure)
Provides detailed education about diamonds
Has positive long-term customer reviews