Select your diamond like a pro: A comprehensive diamond buying guide
We understand that buying diamond is an important decision for you since it involves large investment. Diamonds are always considered special and nowadays, popularity of diamond jewelries is experiencing a growth. However, we must also agree that most of us don’t have any idea regarding testing genuineness and quality of the stone; and, therefore, have to put trust on the merchant. Introduction of crets or certificates however is successful in eliminating some hurdles from purchasing diamond but still you need to understand the basic parameters even to understand the information given on the certificate.
The 4c’s of diamond
A diamond is tested on the 4c which are – carat, cut, clarity and color. These are the factors that are important in deciding the price of the stone. The testing agencies apply gradation scale in assessing a stone of these four factors. It can be confusing for a first time buyer to understand the different aspects of a perfect diamond. This article will help you understand the factors that determine the prices of a stone.
Cut
The brilliance of the stone depends on the cut. It is the most crucial factor is determining the price of a stone. The stone is treated and carefully different facets are created. Light when it falls on the stone gets refracted. There are a variety of accepted cuts available in the market each is slightly different from the other. The most popular cuts of diamond are – ideal cut, very good cut, good cut, fair cut and poor cut.
An ideal cut is when almost all light that enters the stone gets reflected allowing the stone to shine brilliantly. It is the most exquisite cut and rare. When the cut is shallow the light passes through its bottom and when it is deep the lights slips through the sides. A good cut is when most light is reflected back from the stone. This represents almost 25% of the diamonds available in the market and is less expensive than a very good cut diamond.
An ideal cut is when almost all light that enters the stone gets reflected allowing the stone to shine brilliantly. It is the most exquisite cut and rare. When the cut is shallow the light passes through its bottom and when it is deep the lights slips through the sides. A good cut is when most light is reflected back from the stone. This represents almost 25% of the diamonds available in the market and is less expensive than a very good cut diamond.
Color
Diamonds are evaluated on a gradation scale on their whiteness. The more white or near colorless a diamond is higher is its price. On a scale D is considered the highest possible color grade and Z the lowest. The purists will consider only the highest grade diamonds between D-F. But these stone are also very rare and expensive. For good value of your money look for diamond between the grade G and I which indicates near colorless diamonds.
Clarity
Clarity measures the degree of natural imperfections on a stone. It has least impact on the brilliance and appearance of the diamond but if you are a purist look for a stone that is nearly flawless. Often these imperfections are microscopic and don’t interfere with the beauty of the stone. Clarity of diamond is measured on a scale with values such as - FL, IF (flawless or internally flawless), VVS1, VVs2 (Very, Very Slightly Included), SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included) and I1 (Included). For a good value for money select a diamond with no visible inclusion to naked eye when seen through the crown.
Apart from the above factors another important factor to influence your buying decision is the shape of the diamond. Some popular shapes of diamonds are – Round, Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Marquise, Oval, Radiant, Pear, Heart and Cushion.
Apart from the above factors another important factor to influence your buying decision is the shape of the diamond. Some popular shapes of diamonds are – Round, Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Marquise, Oval, Radiant, Pear, Heart and Cushion.
