How to Choose a Diamond

5 TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING 

Whether it’s an engagement, an anniversary, or even a wonderful gift for yourself, diamonds are often bought for special occasions when the pressure of choosing the perfect stone tends to be high. And in case it’s your first time buying diamonds, the experience might feel even more challenging, especially considering the confusing terminology and the wide array of different options available on the market. So, to help you make the best and most informed choice, here are the essential aspects of how to choose a diamond:

1. Learn More About Carats

The carat signifies the weight of a diamond. In most cases, the price of the diamond will be higher the larger its carat weight. However, two stones of the same carat weight can be priced very differently in some instances, depending on the other aspects that determine the diamond’s quality, such as the colour, clarity, and cut. The face-up area of stones can range as well, meaning that a lower carat weight could appear larger in size in some cases as well. While there are no specific rules when it comes to carats, it’s advised to focus on your priorities. For instance, in case you want a larger diamond, you might need to compromise on colour and clarity to suit your budget and vice versa.

2. Be Mindful Of The Colour

The colour of diamonds actually represents the absence of hue in most cases. The less colour that can be seen in the diamond, the more valuable and more desirable the stone. However, these colour differences can often be so slight that they’re not noticeable by the naked eye, even though they impact the price and the quality of the diamond directly. For this reason, you don’t necessarily have to follow a grading scale if you’re on a tighter budget when the colour grades can’t be distinguished between two noticeably different prices. As long as the diamond appears colourless when you look at it in real life, it’s generally thought to be a ‘good’ diamond.

3. Choose The Right Shape

While the most popular diamond shapes are round and princess cut, they also tend to be the most expensive options. However, diamonds come in a variety of different shapes, from oval and pear to emerald and square cushion, including some more unique, designer-specific shapes, all of which might end up being more affordable options.

When searching for the best option, it’s generally advised to find a reputable diamond jewellery brand that offers a wide array of unique shapes, designs, and jewellery pieces. Apart from providing different patterns and styles to choose from, such a brand will likely also have experienced professionals who will help you select the best diamond shape for your personal taste and preferences.

4. Pay Attention To The Clarity

The clarity of diamonds is measured by the surface ‘blemishes’ as well as the placement, size, and number of internal ‘inclusions. Following this rule, the clarity will be graded from ‘included’, containing a noticeable amount of imperfections, to ‘flawless’, with practically no visible imperfections. But when it comes to diamond clarity, the same general rule can be followed as with the stone colour.

Considering the fact that different clarity grades often can’t be distinguished with the naked eye, there’s no reason to pay too much for a truly ‘flawless’ diamond. If the stone appears clean, clear, and flawless to the eye, it will surely be a good choice.

5. Opt For The Right Cut

Contrary to popular belief, the cut of a diamond isn’t the same as its shape. The cut refers to the amount of sparkle, brilliance, and fire of a diamond. Even the overall quality of the workmanship, with the grades, generally ranging from ‘poor’ to ‘excellent’. The diamond’s cut is often thought to be the most important aspect, as well-cut diamonds tend to look brighter and appear larger in size compared to their actual carat size while hiding any colour imperfections or clarity inconsistencies more easily. This means that you don’t necessarily have to choose an ‘excellent’ cut, as the most expensive option; even a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ cut will make for a beautiful, sparkly diamond while coming at a lower cost.

Evidently, purchasing diamonds isn’t quite as straightforward as one might imagine. As long as you’re familiar with the aspects that determine the quality of diamonds, your main priority should be finding the best compromise between the price and your preferred stone appearance.

….and never forget, diamonds are forever! 

Klaudia xx

by guest author: Peter Minkoff

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