How to Buy Good Diamonds and Understand Quality
Buying a Nice Diamond Engagement Ring, Anniversary Necklace, or Gift
Feb 19, 2008
A diamond is a truly special gift, whether given as a brithday or holiday present, a promise ring, an engagement ring, or for a special anniversary. Diamond jewelry given as a present, or even purchased on one's own, is a special event. Following are introductory ideas on how to make sure the diamond purchased is the right one at the right price or how to see perfection in designer jewelry.
Thinking of Buying a Special Diamond?
A person (or a couple) in love need(s) a good understanding of diamonds before shopping for such precious, lifelong treasures.
Here are some very beginning basics on what to consider about diamonds, the most cherished of gems, for an engagement ring, promise ring, Sweet 16 gift, Journey anniversary necklace, or three-stone anniversary ring.
The 4 Cs of Certified Diamond Quality Rating
Certified diamonds are graded on at least four quality criteria:
- Cut
- Clarity
- Color
- Carat
There are more ratings and measurements noted on a diamond certificate, but they generally fall under the diamond's grade as related to one of the Four Cs.
(Note: Diamonds may be purchased without being certified also.)
Understanding How Diamonds are Rated for Quality - 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat
- Cut: This refers to the diamond's reflective qualities, not the shape (a common point of confusion). A good cut is most important to a diamond’s brilliance. The angles and finish of the gem are what determine its reactions to light, which leads to brilliance.
- Clarity: This refers to the presence of identifying characteristics on and within a diamond. There are two types of flaws, which are inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws). Note that for grading purposes, all flaws are referred to as inclusions on the certificate.Flaws in and on a diamond may include air bubbles, cracks, non-diamond minerals, scratches, pits, and chips. Of course, diamonds with no or few flaws are more expensive because they more rare and closer to perfect. Clarity is graded on a scale by looking under 10x loupe magnification
- Color: For clear (white) diamonds (as opposed to rare colored diamonds) jewelers speak of a diamond's color, referring to the presence or absence of color. Logically, a colorless diamond, like a clear window, lets more light to pass through it than a colored diamond. Therefore, clearer diamonds have more sparkle and more value. Color is also graded on a scale, from colorless to light yellow.
- Carat: A carat is a unit of measurement used to weigh a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Please note that "carat" is not the same as "karat," which is the rating of the purity of gold. Large diamonds are rare and so, cost more per carat.
Making the Decision on Which Diamond(s) to Buy: Jewelry Shopping
Here are some things to keep in mind when picking out that special piece of jewelry:
- For rings, picking the diamond shape may be a good place to start. Some shape examples are round (the most popular shape), marquise (elongated with pointed ends), pear (or teardrop), heart, emerald cut (rectangular with cut corners), trilliant (triangular), radiant (a combination of emerald and round), and cushion (a lovely, somewhat older-fashioned style).
- When picking out an engagement ring, there are no real rules (though jewelers may disagree) on how much one "should" spend or how big the gem should be. It is best to choose with the heart, the mind, and the wallet in consideration. Many ladies prefer to pick out their own ring, which lets husbands-to-be off the hook on the decision-making.
- Wedding rings come with or without diamonds, preferably matching one another (this is a personal choice).
- In a Journey necklace (pictured below), the diamonds graduate, smaller to larger. Each diamond represents the ever-growing love in a relationship; Perfect for an anniversary gift.
- A three-stone ring is another lovely anniversary gift. The diamonds represent the past, present, and future.
Other information on diamonds, diamond jewelry products, and love can be found at the the websites How to Say I Love You, Diamonds and Diamond Jewelry and Weddings, Planning a Wedding, and Getting Married.
Bring a card and flowers with a diamond gift. See Quotes & The Meanings of Flowers, Sweet Love Words: QuotesandThe Meanings of Colors of Roses. Also remember Mom on Mother's Day. Moms love diamonds too.
Resource:
GenerousGems
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