Shopping for a diamond can be an exciting but daunting experience. With so many shapes, sizes and quality factors to consider, it’s important to do your homework before making a purchase. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a diamond:
Table of Contents
1. Pay Attention to The Diamond’s 4C’s
The first thing you’ll want to consider when shopping for a diamond is the 4C’s: carat weight, cut, color and clarity. These are the main factors that determine a diamond’s quality and value.
Carat Weight
One of the first things most people notice about a diamond is its size, or carat weight. Carat weight is actually a measure of a diamond’s mass, not its size. When shopping for a diamond, keep in mind that two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different prices depending on the other C’s.
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry and polish. Poorly cut diamonds will appear lifeless and dreary, whereas well-cut diamonds will appear dazzling and lively.The cut is perhaps the most important of the 4C’s, as it has the greatest impact on a diamond’s beauty.
Color
Most diamonds used in jewelry are actually quite yellowish in color. The amount of yellow color in a diamond is graded on a scale from D (no yellow color) to Z (a very yellow diamond). The less yellow color a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the number and size of blemishes or inclusions on the stone. Diamonds with few or no blemishes or inclusions are very rare and therefore more valuable.
2. Shapes and Sizes
Diamonds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular shape is the round brilliant cut, but diamonds can also be found in oval, marquise, pear, princess and emerald cuts, among others.
When shopping for a diamond, keep in mind that the size is not the only factor that determines its value. The other C’s, as well as the diamond’s shape, also play a role in determining its worth.
3. Fluorescence
Fluorescence is a property of some diamonds that causes them to emit a soft glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. While some people find this effect desirable, others prefer diamonds with no fluorescence.
4. Certification
When shopping for a diamond, be sure to ask for a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory. A diamond certificate will include all of the details about a stone, including the 4C’s. This certificate will serve as proof of a diamond’s quality and value.
5. The Diamond’s Setting
The setting is the metal structure that holds the diamond in place in a piece of jewelry. The type of setting you choose will affect both the appearance and the price of your diamond ring or other piece of jewelry.
6. Your Budget
Of course, one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a diamond is your budget. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t get caught up in the excitement and spend more than you can afford.
