Important Advice When Buying a Diamond

The diamond is unequaled in the hierarchy of gems. Its elegance has been idolized since its discovery.

Whether you have experienced buying diamonds for engagement rings before or not, you may be unsure as to why one is worth $3000 while another one is only worth $300. What goes into determining the price of a diamond?

Diamonds are graded based on 4 criteria. The first of these is referred to as the carat, which is a measurement of the weight. The more carats the more expensive a diamond becomes. Size is not the only factor that matters however, remember: it is what is on the inside that counts.

Price is not solely determined based on the number of carats however. Expensive diamonds also need to have excellent clarity. The means the inside of the diamond should be free from “inclusions”, and the outside of the diamond should be blemish free.

The number of inclusions as well as their size and tint all factor into the overall clarity score, as do the number and size of surface blemishes. A flawless diamond is at the top end of the clarity scale, referred to as ‘pure’. An inexpensive diamond may carry with it the classification of ‘heavily included’.

Therefore the more severely included a diamond is with crystals, feathers, or other types of internal and external flaws, the lower its value. These deformities are due to the cooling process of the diamonds against other materials. Clarity is highly prized, especially in larger carat diamonds where the imperfections are more detectable.

Another important factor when evaluating the worth of a diamond is color. If certain gases were present beneath the earth when the diamond was forming, it may have taken on a distinct color.

There is a scale of coloration that ranges from “D,” where no color is present, to “Z,” where color is easily visible. There is a spectrum known as “beyond Z,” where the colors are rich and vibrant within the diamond and are referred to as fancy colors.

Cut is the final factor in diamond grading. This is an often forgotten element of diamonds, but it is extremely important, as it gives this remarkable stone its ability to come alive.

“Fire” is the ability to flash and flicker upon sight. Cut varies from “excellent,” followed by “good,” “average,” “commercial,” and then irregular. If the diamond is not dazzling, the cut is most likely very poor.

Diamonds are rare, but they are not equally special. Understanding the four important C’s of carat, clarity, color and cut that make up the value of a diamond will point you towards making a better buying decision.

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