The guide to buying

The guide to buying

Diamonds, often referred to as the "best friends of a woman," have always been a sparkling and highly desirable expression of love. They adorned royal crowns, were set in timeless engagement rings, and became an investment that pays off in the long run. Various types of diamonds exist in the market, so before purchasing the perfect diamond, it is advisable to conduct thorough research. In the following guide, we will unravel the complexities associated with buying diamonds and understand the necessary steps to take before indulging in the diamond you've always dreamed of.

Carat

Carat is probably the most well-known and tangible aspect of any diamond – it is a universal unit of measurement that represents the weight and size of the diamond. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams, and the higher the carat value, it is reasonable to assume that the diamond will be larger, more impressive, and, of course, more expensive. However, it is important to consider that, contrary to popular belief, carat is not the sole factor determining the value of the diamond in question. Other characteristics such as color, clarity, cut, and shape may have a significant and irreplaceable impact on its worth.

Note that when dealing with diamonds smaller than one carat, the measurement method is usually in points. For example, a 0.75 carat diamond is identified as a diamond of 75 points.

Color

Natural diamonds can appear in a wide range of colors, including brown, black, yellow, and pink. The color of the diamond is a fundamental element that plays a decisive role in its valuation. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds using the following color scale:

  • D-F – Colorless diamond
  • G-J – Near colorless diamond
  • K-M – Faint colored diamond
  • N-R – Very light colored diamond
  • S-Z – Light colored diamond

As diamonds belong to the upper part of the scale, meaning they are more colorless, they are considered rarer and, therefore, have a higher value. However, it’s essential to note that diamonds with unique colors such as red and blue can significantly increase the value of the diamond. Apart from color, pay attention to the intensity of the color, its dominance, and how it is distributed across the diamond.

clarity

The clarity parameter refers to the presence of internal or external flaws found in the diamond, such as spots, fractures, or incomplete transparency. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a clarity grading scale that ranges from:

  • Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification)
  • Internally Flawless (no inclusions visible, but some minor surface blemishes may be present)
  • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) – Minute inclusions that are difficult to detect under 10x magnification
  • Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Minor inclusions observed under 10x magnification, but typically not visible to the naked eye
  • Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Inclusions visible under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye
  • Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Inclusions visible to the naked eye, with I3 having the most noticeable inclusions

The higher the clarity grade, the fewer and less visible the flaws, making the diamond more valuable.

Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to how the diamond is faceted, including the polishing style and the final shape resulting from the original rough diamond, in terms of proportion and symmetry. The cut significantly impacts the diamond’s brilliance and overall appearance, making it a crucial aspect.

There are several common types of cuts:

  1. Round Cut
  2. Princess Cut (square or rectangular)
  3. Emerald Cut (rectangular with cut corners)
  4. Pear Cut / Teardrop Cut
  5. Radiant Cut (square or rectangular with cut corners)

Each cut has its own unique characteristics, and the choice of cut can affect the diamond’s sparkle and overall visual appeal.

Tips Before Buying a Diamond

Here are some tips to consider when preparing to purchase a diamond:

  1. Understand the 4 Cs:
    • Carat: The weight of the diamond.
    • Color: The presence or absence of color, graded from D (colorless) to Z (light color).
    • Clarity: The extent of internal and external flaws.
    • Cut: The quality of the diamond’s cut, affecting its brilliance.
  2. Set a Budget:
    • Determine a realistic budget before starting the search. This helps narrow down options.
  3. Prioritize Cut Quality:
    • A well-cut diamond reflects light effectively, giving it a beautiful sparkle. Consider a higher cut grade.
  4. Choose the Right Carat Weight:
    • Balance carat weight with cut quality for the best overall appearance.
  5. Consider Diamond Shape:
    • Different shapes have different visual impacts. Choose a shape that appeals to you.
  6. Check Certification:
    • Ensure the diamond comes with a reputable gemological certificate, like GIA or AGS.
  7. Understand Diamond Fluorescence:
    • Some diamonds exhibit fluorescence under UV light. Assess whether fluorescence is desirable or not.
  8. Select Metal for the Setting:
    • Choose the metal for the setting (white gold, yellow gold, platinum) based on personal preference.
  9. Compare Prices:
    • Compare prices from different jewelers to ensure a fair deal.
  10. Ask for Expert Advice:
    • Seek guidance from gemologists or experienced jewelers when in doubt.

Remember, each diamond is unique, and personal preferences play a significant role in the final choice.

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