Buying a diamond of any kind is a lifelong dream for some people, so when you finally get to the stage where it becomes a possibility, the one thing that you absolutely need to make sure you do is know what you are looking for! It's very easy to get sidetracked when even 'bad' quality diamonds can look sensational to a naked eye, but the facts are that when you are prepared to pay so much money for a timeless piece of jewelry, you deserve the very best that your budget can allow. With all of this in mind, here are some of the best tips to remember when you are buying diamonds.
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● Choose Your Shape
Choosing the shape of the diamond you want is always a good starting point in the buying process. No shape is particularly better than another, it's a matter of personal preference, but deciding on a shape early on is a good way to narrow down the search can make things easier. Some of the most popular shapes for diamond rings are round brilliant, cushion cut, and oval but there are many different cuts.
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● Set A Carat Limit
One of the leading factors in the price of a diamond is always going to be the carat weight of the stone. To avoid falling in love with a diamond that you know you are not going to be able to afford, the best thing to do is decide on a carat limit before you even start looking. In general, a good weight for a diamond is between the 0.95 and 1.08 carat mark. As the carat weight increases, so too will the overall price of the stone.
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● Pay Attention To Clarity
When it comes to clarity, you are looking for a diamond that has a very clean eye, meaning that there are no visible blemishes or marks inside the stone. In general, you will be able to find a more than suitable diamond that falls in the VS1 to VS2 grade. A great tip is that you do not need to overpay for a diamond in the FL or IF range to get something that looks perfect to the naked eye. You can learn more about the diamond clarity scale with this hand guide at www.pricescope.com/education/diamond-clarity.
● Get The Best Color You Can Afford
To a non-expert, all white diamonds might look the same to the naked eye, but there is actually a big variation in what is classed as their 'color'. The more colorless a stone is deemed to be, the more expensive it is going to be. D and E are the grades that feature the most colorless and most costly stones, but you can definitely get away with going down to the G to I range for a diamond that still has a great color and costs far less.
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● Always Compare
Never commit to buying the first diamond that you are presented with. The more you compare and contrast, the better your chances of finding something that is perfect for your preferences and, more importantly, for your budget.
