01 Aug 11 Tips about buying a diamond
The value of a diamond is determined by a set of four conditions known as the four C’s: cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight.
When choosing a diamond for purchase, look for one that balances these four qualities without straining your budget. Perfect quality diamonds are rare and extremely expensive, but you can select a slightly less perfect diamond that still appears brilliant to the naked eye and fits within your budget.
These 11 tips will help you decide which grade of diamond to buy:
- Determine your budget
Knowing how much you can spend initially will ensure that you receive the best diamond for what you can afford.
- Select the cut
The cut determines a diamond’s shape and brilliance. A well-cut diamond reflects light from one facet to another. If cut too deep or too shallow, light escapes from the diamond prematurely, reducing the stone’s quality. Don’t confuse diamond “cut” with “shape.” Shape refers to the general outward appearance of the diamond, (such as round, emerald, or pear) while a good cut gives a diamond its brilliance. This is the brightness that seems to come from the very heart of a diamond
- Pick out the right shape.
While cut refers more to quality and level of brilliance, the shape is one aspect of the cut. Review the possible shapes available on the market, and choose the one you like best.
- Choose the highest quality of cut you can afford.
A diamond’s cut determines the vast majority of its brilliance, and many consider the cut to be the most important factor when choosing a diamond.
- Check the grading report
Ask the jeweller to see the diamond grading report for any diamond you consider purchasing. This report will give you a guide on the diamonds cut, colour, carat size and clarity. A Good jeweller should be able to talk you through these reports and help you understand what they are saying.
- Select Clarity
Clarity refers to the purity of a diamond. Most diamonds have some form of surface blemishes known as “inclusions,” but extremely high quality stones have no visible marks and are considered flawless.
- Purchase a stone without visible imperfections.
Many imperfections are not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen by using a 10-power magnif
ication glass. Consider a diamond with an SI1 or SI2 grading for a diamond with small inclusions that need 10x magnification to see. These stones appear high quality to the vast majority of individuals looking at them, and are also less strenuous on your budget.
- Choose a Colour
The highest quality diamonds are colourless, since colourless stones are rare and reflect light better than tinted diamonds. Most diamonds have slight tints of yellow, which are often impossible to see with the naked eye. Colourless diamonds range from D to F with near colourless from G – J.
- Purchase a diamond that balances Colour with price.
Since most tints are extremely difficult to see, a higher grade for colour does not make much difference in quality. It can, however, make a huge difference in price. At Brett’s Jewellers, we like suggest to our clients diamonds from D-G.
- Ask the jeweller about a diamond’s fluorescence.
Fluorescence appears when a diamond is exposed to ultraviolet light, but usually has no effect on a diamond in regular light conditions. A strong fluorescence can alter the appearance of a diamond’s colour, sometimes causing it to look milky or oily. Consider a diamond with medium fluorescence if on a tight budget, since these diamonds are often discounted.
11. Choose a Carat Weight
The weight, or size, of the diamond is measured in carats. The more carats a diamond has, the more expensive it will be.
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