What must be done for diamonds of .48 carats or greater before they are given to the member?

Diamonds of .48 carats or greater require testing with a diamond tester before they are provided to members to ensure their authenticity and quality. This step is critical because it helps verify that the stone being offered is indeed a genuine diamond, thereby protecting the integrity of the sale and ensuring customer satisfaction. By using a diamond tester, employees can confirm characteristics such as hardness and thermal conductivity, which distinguish real diamonds from imitations or synthetics. This process is essential in maintaining trust with customers and upholding Costco's reputation for quality merchandise.

While securely packing diamonds, suspending the sale, or notifying upper management may seem like reasonable actions in different contexts, they do not directly address the need for validating the diamond’s authenticity before it reaches the customer. Testing ensures the diamond meets the standards expected by customers and helps prevent potential issues related to misrepresentation.