5 Ways to Choose a Diamond

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

The quality and price of a diamond are determined by a set of four circumstances known as the four Cs: carat, clarity, color and cut. When choosing a diamond, look for one that balances these four qualities without upsetting your budget. Perfect quality diamonds are rare and very expensive, but it is possible to choose a slightly less perfect one that appears brilliant to the naked eye.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Cutting

The cut determines the shape and brilliance of a diamond. A well-cut diamond reflects light from one facet to another. If it is cut too deep or too shallow, the light tends not to pass through the diamond, reducing the quality of the stone.

Step 1. Get the right shape

While the cut relates more to brilliance and quality, the shape is one aspect of the cut. Examine the possible shapes available on the market and choose the one you like best.

Step 2. If you buy a diamond for someone else, ask their opinion before choosing a shape

• Alternatively, ask a close friend or family member of the recipient if you want the gift to be a surprise, as is often the case with engagement rings.

  

• Choose an established, classic shape if you have no one to ask. The most popular shapes are emerald, princess and round brilliant.

  

• If the recipient has a non-traditional personality, consider a non-traditional form. Less common forms that are quite established include marquise, oval, pear, and heart.

  

Step 3. Choose the best cut quality you can afford

The cut of a diamond determines the majority of its brilliance, and many consider the cut the most important factor when choosing a diamond.

• Ask the jeweler to see the classification report of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or a similar organization, for each diamond you consider purchasing. In this report you will find a rough indication of the cut, even if a more precise classification is difficult to find.

  

• Choose an Ideal Cut diamond for the highest level of perfection.

  

• Choose a "Very Good" or "Excellent" grade diamond for a slightly less expensive but still high quality stone.

  

• Consider a "Good" grade if you wish to balance the other C's and still stay within the budget.

  

• Never buy a poor quality diamond at a fair, especially for engagement rings and other gifts. Diamonds at these levels severely lack brilliance.

  

Method 2 of 5: Clarity

Clarity refers to the clarity of a diamond. Most diamonds have surface imperfections known as "inclusions", but very high quality stones have no visible marks and are considered perfect.

Step 1. Ask the jeweler about the clarity of any diamond you are considering purchasing

A reliable jeweler will be honest about a stone's grade and answer questions about what that grade means.

Step 2. Ask to see the GIA report, or other similar organization, for the classification of the stone

Step 3. Purchase a stone with no visible imperfections

Many imperfections are not visible to the naked eye, however, and can only be seen with 10x magnification lenses.

• Buy perfection, FL, or inner perfection, FI, for stones with no inner imperfections. These are very rare, however, and very expensive.

  

• Consider the VVS1 or VVS2 degrees of clarity for high quality diamonds with very small inclusions that are invisible to the inexperienced eye, even with a 10x magnification lens.

  

• Look at VS1 or VS2 grade diamonds that are perfect to the naked eye with negligible inclusions.

  

• Consider an SI1 or SI2 grade diamond for a stone with small inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye, but easy to spot with a magnifying glass. These stones appear high quality to most people who look at them and weigh a lot less on your budget.

  

Method 3 of 5: Color

The highest quality diamonds are colorless, as colorless stones are rare and reflect light better than colored ones. Most diamonds have slight shades of yellow, which are often impossible to see with the naked eye.

Step 1. Buy a diamond that balances lack of color with price

Since most colors are very difficult to see, a higher grade for color doesn't make much difference in quality. It can, however, make a huge difference to the price.

• Choose a grade D (blue white) for an absolutely colorless diamond only if the price does not bother you.

  

• Look into grade E (ice white) or grade F (acceptable white) diamonds if you can't afford a grade D diamond but still want a stone that is colorless to any eye.

  

• Ask to see Grade G (white), H (commercial white top), or I (commercial white) grade that are nearly colorless. These diamonds appear colorless when viewed from the front, but show a faint yellow tint when viewed against a perfectly white background. The color is almost impossible to see once mounted on metal, especially if the frame is gold.

  

• Consider grades J (silver top), K (silver top), L (silver head) or M (light head) for stones that are still relatively colorless against a yellow metal, but obviously more colorful when paired with a white metal such as platinum.

  

Step 2. Ask the jeweler about the fluorescence of a diamond

Fluorescence appears when a diamond is exposed to ultraviolet light, but is usually undetectable under normal light conditions. On rare occasions, strong fluorescence can alter the color of a diamond, making it appear milky or oily.

Consider a diamond with medium or strong fluorescence if you are on a budget, as these diamonds are often discounted

Step 3. If you are on a budget, consider purchasing a "fancy" diamond, which is a rare type of stone with a particularly intense hue

Red and pink diamonds are rare, beautiful and expensive.

Method 4 of 5: Carats

A diamond's weight, or size, is measured in carats. The more carats a diamond has, the more expensive it will be.

Step 1. Consider the carat weight last

In fact, weight does not affect the quality of the stone in any way, so heavier weight does not necessarily indicate a higher quality stone.

Step 2. Consider choosing a popular size

The most common sizes for engagement rings are 1/2 carat, 1 carat and 2 carat.

Step 3. If you are purchasing an engagement ring or other gift, find out the recipient's preferred size

Not all women prefer many carats. Some focus on quality rather than size, while others are willing to sacrifice a little quality for a more eye-catching diamond with more carats.

• Ask the recipient about their preferences.

  

• Ask close friends or family about the recipient's preferences.

  

Step 4. Consider the hand size of the wearer if you buy a diamond ring

Women with smaller hands will prefer a smaller stone to a large stone which may be too much for the hand.

Method 5 of 5: Additional Considerations

Before you go shopping to buy a diamond, there are a few other points to keep in mind.

Step 1. Establish a budget before you start shopping

Doing so will help you choose the highest quality diamond you can find for your money.

Step 2. Do your research

Learn as much as you can about the quality and price of diamonds so as not to be scammed.

Step 3. Take a look around

Visit many jewelers for a wider choice.

• Visit only reputable jewelers.

  

• Avoid buying diamonds on the Internet, especially if you have to buy an important piece like an engagement ring. Always look for a diamond in person so that you can assess the quality yourself.

  

Step 4. Ask to see official grading reports, such as a GIA or similar organization report, before purchasing a diamond

Advice

• If you decide to buy a diamond online, make sure that the diamonds are certified by an independent laboratory or that the company you are buying from has credentials. Look for companies with stakes in major corporations like Jewelers of America and The American Gem Society.
• Ask the seller's sales regulations for any disputes. Many retail stores purchase their stones from laboratories that have "fingerprints" or diamond registration, to certify and guarantee the stones.
• Consider a lab-made diamond over a natural mine, because lab-made ones tend to be less expensive.