Be a smart diamond buyer

You might think it’s impossible to buy a diamond for less money, but with the right purchasing knowledge and research, you can find an affordable diamond. Read on to learn how to be a smart diamond buyer.

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What exactly is the difference in cost between diamonds? It's easy to think that all diamonds are priced at ten thousand dollars, which couldn't be more wrong. Diamonds range from three hundred dollars (for a small stone) to $100,000 (for a large stone). The price of the diamond correlates with the quality of the cut and clarity of the stone.

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What are the different diamond cuts? The four most common diamond cuts are: round, princess, oval and marquis. Marquise diamonds are the newest style of cut that allows more light to come through than other traditional cuts. Princess cut diamonds have a square shape with round edges, while rounds usually look similar to a teardrop or pear shape. Oval diamonds resemble circles in their design, but have slightly curved corners. Some of these shapes may be adjusted in order to fit the natural shape of a diamond. 00000

What do I need to know about cut grades? Cut is less than half the equation when considering a diamond ring purchase; color and clarity must also be taken into consideration when selecting quality stones. But the cut grade does have some importance.

The cut grade indicates the quality of the diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish. Cut is an important factor because it influences how much light can enter a diamond, which in turn affects its brightness and scintillation (the flashes of light that occur when a diamond catches light).

Light performance is not based on price, color or carat weight alone; the cut of a diamond determines how much brilliance and fire it will display. A well-cut diamond begins with symmetry – each side must be perfectly matched with the other. A rough stone is then shaped into these different cuts to bring out the maximum amount of light and fire from its center.

A good cut will also determine the diamond's ability to withstand light. If the diamond cuts are uneven, sparce or have a distortion, it can impair the stone’s performance; therefore, it is not wise to purchase a stone with such flaws. In addition to being one of the most important characteristics of a diamond's cut, you should also consider its symmetry and clarity.

Clarity refers to how round or flawed the diamond may be; this includes inclusions (small bits of carbon) and inclusions that would affect how well it displays fire (and could create a yellow tint). A clear diamond has no inclusion or color defects; in other words, you cannot see through it. Clarity is graded from flawless (FL) to one inclusion or ding (I1). The higher the number, the smaller the inclusions.

How should I consider a stone's color? A diamond's color is graded by comparing it to stones of known origin (a master set set by GIA). Color grades range from D, which has a very yellow tint, to Z, which is whiter than white. The highest grade colorless diamonds are referred to as either white or colorless; D through F are given names that describe the amount of tint they have. Although you can purchase stones of higher grades, most people prefer J and higher because these gems are truly dazzling.

Conclusion

Reading this article may help you avoid a bad purchase. Purchasing a diamond is an investment that can last a lifetime, but it's important to understand how to be a smart diamond buyer. Research the diamond you want to buy and familiarize yourself with the cut and clarity grades before making the purchase. Knowing about all of these factors will make your next purchase easier and more enjoyable.

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USING THE RIGHT PRICE FOR YOUR DIAMOND, BUYING A DIAMOND RING, TRADITIONALLY SETTING A DIAMOND RING AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR RING ARE ALSO FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE .