Buying diamond jewelry is an investment, and like all investments, you should take your time researching and understanding the product before you make your purchase. If this is your first time buying diamond jewelry, you should consider a few things. In this article, we’ll explore 8 things you should know about diamonds before you head out to the jewelers.
1. Real Diamond vs Cubic Zirconia
Firstly you should know that there is a common substitute for real diamonds called Cubic Zirconia. Cubic zirconia is much cheaper than diamonds and is widely used in place of the real thing as a more affordable alternative.
Both stones look very similar, in fact, to the untrained eye it’s very difficult to tell the distinction. However, the big difference between them is how they hold up over time. Real diamonds are timeless, meaning they hold their sparkle forever. Cubic Zirconia, however, will begin to lose its shine and sparkle over time, so it is not an eternal stone like the diamond.
If you like the look of diamonds but are not willing to pay the price and prefer something more affordable, the Cubic Zirconia is a great alternative. However, if you are looking for a ring or piece of jewelry to last a lifetime or to be passed down to future generations, a real diamond is undoubtedly the best option.
2. The Carat
The Gemological Institute of America introduced criteria for diamond buying known as the 4Cs. The first C is Carat. Gemologists measure a diamond’s weight in metric carats. One carat equals 1/5 of a gram, so the higher the carat, the bigger and heavier it will be.
Carat weight has a great deal of influence on the price of a diamond. Of course, the higher the carat, the higher the price, however, as the carat weight increases, the rarity and value of the diamond also increase. For example, a diamond that weighs 2 carats will always cost much more than two diamonds of the same quality both weighing 1 carat each.
Most diamonds you will see in jewelers will have their weight listed in carats or a fraction of a carat. However, you might find an extra small diamond that has its weight listed in points. For instance, ¼ carat = 4.1mm, and ½ carat= 5.2mm. Therefore, be careful that you do not confuse diamond carat with diamond size.
3. The Color
Although diamonds are known to be a clear stone, only a few are truly colorless. The majority come in varying shades of yellow and brown. Gemologists grade a diamond’s color on a scale beginning with D (colorless) and ending with Z (light yellow). Colorless diamonds are the most valuable and are therefore the most expensive.
When choosing a diamond, it’s good to know that on the color scale, D, E & F are colorless stones, G & H are near colorless, and I & J are also near colorless but are slightly tilted. When picking your diamond, it’s best to pick one that is between D and H for that clear diamond look.
4. The Cut
A diamond can be cut in different ways and at many different angles to enhance its light reflectance, giving it that stunning sparkle. If a diamond is perfectly cut it will bring out the full beauty of the crystal, exuding fire, sparkle, and allurement. If it is poorly cut, it will appear dull and lifeless.
The perfect cut diamond should not be too deep nor too shallow. Diamonds are given a grade according to their cut which is usually one of the following: Ideal, Very Good, Good or Poor. The experts at Diamond Cuts recommend choosing a diamond with either an ideal or very good cut. This will ensure great sparkle, polish and symmetry.
5. The Clarity
Clarity is how many imperfections the stone has. Diamonds are graded and identified uniquely according to the types and number of inclusions present in them. The highest clarity grade is FL, flawless, followed by IF, internally flawless. The lowest grades are I1, I2, and I3, which mean ‘included’. The higher the clarity rating the higher the value of the stone. However, it’s worth noting that differences in clarity grading are much harder to see with the naked eye, compared to the other grades, therefore the clarity grading could be considered the least important.
6. The Shape
Diamonds come in various shapes but are typically divided into two categories: brilliant and a step cut. Of all the diamond shapes the brilliant round cut is the most common and most valuable. Round diamonds are usually more expensive than the other shapes because they have the most brilliance.
Some of the other shapes on the market are modifications of the round cut, such as the marquise, pear, and heart. The square or rectangular shapes are step cuts.
7. The Jeweler
In this modern internet era, it is becoming more and more common for people to purchase diamond jewelry online without visiting any physical store. You may save time purchasing online and you may save money also, however, it’s important to be sure that the seller or website you are buying from is a genuine dealer.
But if you already have diamond jewelry that you wish to sell, you can also do it online. Just like buying, selling diamond jewelry online can save you time and hassle. There are reputable diamond jewelry buyers that you can trust to give you a fair price for your piece. Anyway, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you are dealing with a genuine and reliable buyer before sending in your items.
8. The Certificate
Before making your purchase, you should check the certificate of the diamond. The safest way to purchase a diamond is to buy one with a certificate issued by a reputable gem laboratory. Certificates can include diamond quality, serial number on the girdle, validity that it is organic, color, cut and weight, therefore, certificates are a guarantee of the authenticity and quality of the diamond.
Now you know what to consider before making your choice, you will feel much more confident when it comes to purchasing diamond jewelry. One last thing to think about when buying your diamond is insurance. After forking out the money for this purchase, it would be devastating if it got stolen or lost. Although adding insurance to your purchase will increase the cost, it will also majorly increase your peace of mind!