It's no secret that purchasing simulated diamonds is an expensive investment. They can cost up to $6,000, depending on their size and quality. This is why so many people are overwhelmed by the process of buying. But it's not nearly as complex as you may think. You can confidently shop for diamonds with the help of these tips. Check out our diamond couple rings jewelry buying guide.
How to buy a Diamond matching jewelry
You should consider your budget when purchasing diamonds. But you can also get more value for money by knowing about the differences between natural diamonds and simulated lab grown ones, as well other characteristics to look out for. Using our diamond purchasing advice, you can find the right stone for your budget.
Learn the 4 Cs of diamond matching chains for couples quality
The four main characteristics of diamond quality are determined by an expert. Cut, color, clarity and carat are all part of the 4Cs. Each of these four elements is compared to the ranking system created by the Gemological Institute of America, which is widely recognized as the standard in diamond grading. The GIA creates a quality certificate that includes the value of a diamond based on a grader's assessment. Here's what you need to understand about each of the four Cs.
Cut:
The cut of a diamond is the most critical factor when buying a diamond. This will determine how they sparkle and shine. If the cut is not good, even the most expensive diamonds will look dull and dark. Cut is the most difficult of all the 4Cs. A stone's grade is determined by a calculation that includes the weight of the diamond in relation to the diameter of the stone, the thickness of the girdle, the symmetry and quality of polishing on the facet. The GIA cut grading was designed specifically for round diamonds of color grades ranging D-Z. It can, however, be adapted to fit other shapes. The six grades include Ideal, Very Good, Excellent, Good, and Fair.
Color:
It's also important to look at the color grade of a diamond after determining its cut grade. Although chemically pure stones appear colorless, others may have a brown or yellow tint. The GIA color grading system begins with grade Z which is a completely colorless diamond. Each letter in the alphabet represents a stronger color. To determine the color grade of a diamond, an expert grader will compare that stone to a group of master stones. The GIA categorizes these 23 colors into five categories to reflect the fact that some of them are similar in terms of appearance and value. Colorless is one of the categories, followed by Near Colorless (faint), Very Light, and Light.
Carat:
Contrary to what is commonly believed, carat isn't the weight of a diamond. Instead it is the measure of its size. In conjunction with the cut grade and shape of a diamond, carat has a direct impact upon its apparent size. A 1 carat diamond that is shaped in an oval, pear or emerald shape, for instance, will appear to be larger than one with a round shape. The GIA certificate for a gemstone often includes the carat and millimeter measurements of the actual size. This helps consumers to better understand what the diamond looks like.
The value of diamonds is directly impacted by the carat size. As the carat increases, the price will also increase. A 2-carat diamond, for example, would cost more than 2 1-carat stones of the same quality. As a general rule, a larger diamond would be four times as expensive as if it were half the weight.
Clarity:
Clarity, often considered the least significant of the four Cs when purchasing a gemstone, is an evaluation of imperfections in the stone and on its surface. Due to the way that diamonds are made, whether they're natural or lab-grown ones, there will always be flaws. Clarity grades are determined by the number, size and type of inclusions and blemishes that can be seen on the diamond's surface. The GIA's clarity scale consists 11 unique grades that are divided into 6 categories, including Flawless and Internally Flawless.
Hire a trained professional
If you're looking to purchase diamonds, you should work with someone you trust and who has the proper training, like a gemologist or jeweler. You should treat this person the same as you would with a doctor, lawyer or other qualified professional. You want someone who is well-trained, willing to answer questions and can clearly explain their answers. They shouldn't make you feel ignorant, degraded or scammed. A good rapport with your jeweler or gemstone expert is important so that you are comfortable discussing your needs, concerns and wants.
If you are looking for a diamond specialist, you should start by finding someone with credentials. For example, a GIA Graduate Gemologist or Applied Jewelry Professional. The training of your diamond professional should be from a program that is internationally accredited and highly recognized. The GIA has a retailer finder that allows you to easily locate a nearby jewelry store that carries GIA graded diamonds, or employs GIA-trained staff.
Request the Grade Report
The unbiased scientific report on grading will give you more information and also act as proof for the quality of the diamond. It is important to know how different qualities in a stone interact with each other. These reports will usually come from GIA or a similar organization, with a number you can check by contacting the grading company. The grading reports will include more information than the 4Cs. They may also reveal the diamond's composition, whether it was grown in a lab or naturally, and any treatments performed on the diamond to change its clarity or color.
As some diamond differences can be so subtle, they cannot be detected without laboratory verification. Therefore, always insist that diamonds you purchase include a grading certificate. If the seller is unable to provide this information readily, it's best to walk away and find a different vendor.
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