Guide to Buying Diamond Ring: Characteristics of a Diamond
Thinking of buying a diamond ring? Whether for an engagement, a special occasion, or as a personal investment, it definitely is a big decision to make.
It can be overwhelming as there are so many factors to consider. If you are new to the world of diamonds, then please read up and talk to people in the business. TheDiamondXpert team daily assists people for whom it is their first time. Knowing the characteristics of a diamond will give you a better understanding of making the right decision.
We, as a team, have helped thousands achieve the impossible!
This easy-to-understand comprehensive guide will make you understand the principles of solitaire purchasing. If you want to understand more and are working on a limited budget, please do consult with our team. It’s free and very rewarding.
Understanding the 4 Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight
The internal quality and inherent value of a solitaire is determined by four key factors, commonly known as the 4 Cs. These characteristics will help you arrive at the perfect certified solitaire.
Cut: The Most Important Factor
By far, this is the most important factor. The cut of a diamond refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted by the professional diamond cutter and polisher. This directly impacts the diamond’s brilliance and lustre (sparkle). A perfectly cut diamond will reflect light beautifully, creating a mesmerising effect of rainbow colours. In contrast, a poorly cut diamond can look dull or lifeless. Such is life!
Key points:
- Grades: The cut grades range from Excellent to Poor.
- Impact on sparkle:* A diamond with a high-quality cut will sparkle more and reflect more light, regardless of its carat weight, colour, or clarity.
- Ideal cut: Only purchase solitaires that are graded as “Ideal” or “Excellent” cuts for the best visual appeal. It does make a world of difference. We know!
Colour: How White or Colourless is the Diamond?
Diamonds come in a range of colours, from D to Z., completely colourless (D) to light yellow or brown (Z). The colour grades measure the presence of colour, with the highest grades being colourless and the lowest grades showing more noticeable hues. Try and select colours from D to F, especially for Lab-grown diamonds.
Key points:
- Grading scale: Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
- Best choice: For the most sparkle and value, look for diamonds in the D-F range. These colours will exude the best colour and make diamonds appear colourless or near-colourless to the naked eye.
- Impact of setting: This is another important point. With the help of experienced jewellers, you can really bring out the essence of your selected certified solitaire.
Clarity: The Purity of the Diamond
Clarity is basically the presence of internal or external imperfections or inclusions. While no diamond is entirely flawless, diamonds with fewer imperfections are rarer and more valuable. A fact!
Key points:
- Grades: Diamonds are graded from Flawless (FL) being these best and most expensive to the lowest qualities such as Included (I1, I2, I3).
- Visibility: Many inclusions are small and can only be viewed microscopically and not visible to the naked eye. For most buyers today, with the arrival of lab-grown diamonds, one can now afford to purchase solitaires with a clarity grade of VVS. Which really is a game changer.
- Impact on brilliance: Clarity is important; to an extent, small inclusions typically won’t affect a diamond’s sparkle or lustre. Select a diamond that has no inclusions visible to the naked eye.
Carat Weight: The Size of the Diamond
Carat weight measures the size of the diamond and its weight. While larger diamonds tend to be more expensive, the value doesn’t just depend on size. It also depends on other factors such as the cut, colour, and clarity.
Key points:
- 1 carat = 200 milligrams
- Price per carat: Larger diamonds are rarer, priced quite high and much more expensive. Smaller diamonds with higher quality can often appear more dazzling than a larger but lower-quality stone.
- Setting effect: A well-cut smaller diamond can often appear larger than a poorly cut larger diamond. Can you believe that? Surprising, but a fact!
Choosing the Right Diamond Shape
Certified diamonds come in a variety of shapes, and each one offers a unique look, feel and visual presence. Below we have listed the most popular shapes:
- Round: The most popular and brilliant shape, ideal for maximizing sparkle. As they ha e between 57 to 58 facets.
- Princess: A square or rectangular shape with sharp corners, offering modern appeal.
- Cushion: A soft, rounded square shape, like a pillow or a cushion with a classy charm.
- Emerald: A rectangular shape with step-cut facets, with a sophisticated and elegant look.
- Oval: An elongated roundish shape that creates the illusion of a larger diamond. Quite popular, nowadays.
- Pear: A combination of round and marquise shapes, with a unique teardrop look. Fascinating once mounted with smaller diamonds.
- Asscher and Radiant: Square shapes with faceting that offers great sparkle. Radiant shapes are very much in demand, currently.
*Tip:* Choose a shape that you feel comfortable with. It is a statement of your personal style.
Selecting the Right Setting for Your Diamond
The setting is the metal structure that holds the diamond in place and enhances its appearance, to a large extent. This is where is gets very interesting. The perfect setting will not only showcase the diamond but also ensure it’s secure and gives the look, one is looking to achieve.
Here are some of the most popular setting styles:
- Solitaire: A single diamond set on a plain band, showcasing the diamond as the focal point. Timeless and elegant. The most popular ring setting.
- Halo: A centre diamond surrounded by a circle of hand-selected complimenting smaller diamonds that add the extra sparkle and the illusion of a larger centre stone.
- Three-Stone: Three diamonds symbolise the past, present, and future of a relationship. Isn’t that really interesting? Offering a unique and sentimental look.
- Pavé: Small hand-selected complimenting diamonds are set along the band, creating continuous sparkle and enhancing the centre stone’s brilliance. The final look is simply amazing.
- Bezel: A metal band surrounds the diamond, offering a modern and secure look. Ideal for active lifestyles.
- Tension: The diamond appears suspended between two metal ends, creating a dramatic, floating effect. Quite secure!
Tip: Choose a setting that complements the shape of the diamond and suits your lifestyle. You are the pilot of your ship.
Choosing the Right Metal
The metal of your engagement ring is not only a matter of durability but also of style. Common metals include:
- Platinum: A durable and hypoallergenic metal that’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. It has a naturally white appearance and pairs well with any diamond. It is more expensive than other metals but worth every penny.
- White Gold: The most popular and affordable alternative to platinum, white gold has a sleek, silver-like appearance. Used by millions of customers globally.
- Yellow Gold: A classic and traditional metal with a warm tone. Currently, used less as the yellow colour tends to have an effect on the colour of the diamonds, it holds.
- Rose Gold: A trendy, romantic metal with a pinkish hue. It’s perfect for those who want a unique, vintage-inspired look.
- Two-Tone or Three-Tone: Rings that combine two or more metals for a striking, personalised effect.
Tip: Platinum, being the best metal, is the second in line is white gold, while gold is a more affordable option.
Setting Your Budget
Your budget should reflect the money you can easily afford. Don’t extend. This is why it is a must to discuss this with experienced jewellers. At TheDiamondXpert, we offer several solutions and options to our customers. Most of the time, they are well pleased.
- Consider a slightly lower carat weight: A 0.90-carat diamond can look almost identical to a 1.00-carat stone but may be significantly cheaper. Did you know that?
- Focus on cut quality: The cut will be the largest factor. As they have the biggest impact on the diamond’s sparkle, so prioritise it over other factors like clarity.
- Choose a lab-grown diamond: Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than mined diamonds and are chemically identical. If you purchase via TheDiamondXpert, be prepared for a nice surprise. As we offer our diamonds at wholesale prices.
Tip: Set a budget that’s comfortable for you and stick to it. Remember, the most important thing is the sentiment behind the ring, not just the price tag. Always talk to the experts, as they will help you make an informed decision, which greatly helps!
Getting Certified: The Importance of Diamond Grading
When buying a diamond, always ask for certification from the big 3, the most reputable grading organizations, like the *Gemological Institute of America (GIA)* or *HRD or IGI *.
The certification provides detailed information about the diamond’s cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, ensuring that you’re getting what you paid for. These 3 certifications are highly respected in the diamond trading circles.
Tip: Never buy a diamond without a certification apart from the 3 organisations mentioned above, ever!
Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Diamond Ring
Selecting and going through the entire process to look for a perfect diamond ring is a mix of knowledge, taste, and personal preference. We advise you sincerely to obtain assistance from gemologists who are there to help in the best possible manner. They can advise you on ways where you can save big chunks of their budget. Like they say, information is Key!
This article was first published on www.thediamondxpert.com
