Diamond Purchasing Guide: What You Should Know

1) Know the 4Cs of Diamond Quality
To understand how to buy an engagement ring, consider the 4Cs of diamond quality from the Gemology Institute of America (GIA). Doing this will help you determine price and value.

• Diamond Color refers to the absence of color in a diamond. Diamonds that have less color are more admired and treasured than diamonds that have more color. It can be difficult for the naked eye to detect variations in diamond color; nevertheless, these variations have a tremendous impact on a diamond’s price and quality level.
• Diamond Clarity encompasses the number and size of external blemishes on a diamond and the number and size of a diamond’s internal inclusions. Diamonds can range from being ‘Included,’ which means that they have many blemishes or inclusions, to ‘Flawless,’ which means that they have no detectable blemishes or inclusions.
• Diamond-Cut refers to the proportionality, symmetry, and polish of a diamond and its artistry level and craftsmanship. A diamond’s cut determines its amount of brilliance and sparkle. Diamonds can range from being ‘poor’ to ‘excellent’ in this category.
• Diamond Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. The more a diamond weighs, the more expensive it will be. Note that if a pair of diamonds had the same carat weight, the other Cs would have to get considered to determine the price and quality of the diamonds.

2) Choose Your Jeweler Wisely
Be as selective as possible when choosing a jeweler. Jewelers should be equipped with expert-level knowledge and should be able to explain concepts clearly and concisely. Consider their training. Ideally, they should have garnered their skills from accredited programs like the Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) and GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) programs. A well-trained and informed jeweler will serve as your guide during the buying process. They will give you information about the 4Cs of diamond quality and help you distinguish similar-looking diamonds. They will also assist you when comparing stones that fit your budget.

3) Request a Diamond Grading Report
Objective and science-based diamond grading reports from sources like the GIA are invaluable. These reports serve as evidence of your purchase. Pinpointing slight differences between diamonds can be a difficult task even for a qualified jeweler. Thus, lab verification, in the form of a report, is essential. Make sure each diamond you purchase comes with a grading report that authenticates its level of quality.

4) Ensure the Purchase
Be sure to appraise and insure your diamond right after purchase. Present your appraisers and insurers with the stone’s diamond grading report so that they can accurately and precisely determine its value. Also, as an added security measure, have laser-trained professionals inscribe your diamond’s GIA report number on it. Doing this will render you able to track your diamond if it is ever lost or stolen.

Diamond Purchasing Guide: What You Should Know

1) Know the 4Cs of Diamond Quality
To understand how to buy an engagement ring, consider the 4Cs of diamond quality from the Gemology Institute of America (GIA). Doing this will help you determine price and value.

• Diamond Color refers to the absence of color in a diamond. Diamonds that have less color are more admired and treasured than diamonds that have more color. It can be difficult for the naked eye to detect variations in diamond color; nevertheless, these variations have a tremendous impact on a diamond’s price and quality level.
• Diamond Clarity encompasses the number and size of external blemishes on a diamond and the number and size of a diamond’s internal inclusions. Diamonds can range from being ‘Included,’ which means that they have many blemishes or inclusions, to ‘Flawless,’ which means that they have no detectable blemishes or inclusions.
• Diamond-Cut refers to the proportionality, symmetry, and polish of a diamond and its artistry level and craftsmanship. A diamond’s cut determines its amount of brilliance and sparkle. Diamonds can range from being ‘poor’ to ‘excellent’ in this category.
• Diamond Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. The more a diamond weighs, the more expensive it will be. Note that if a pair of diamonds had the same carat weight, the other Cs would have to get considered to determine the price and quality of the diamonds.

2) Choose Your Jeweler Wisely
Be as selective as possible when choosing a jeweler. Jewelers should be equipped with expert-level knowledge and should be able to explain concepts clearly and concisely. Consider their training. Ideally, they should have garnered their skills from accredited programs like the Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) and GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) programs. A well-trained and informed jeweler will serve as your guide during the buying process. They will give you information about the 4Cs of diamond quality and help you distinguish similar-looking diamonds. They will also assist you when comparing stones that fit your budget.

3) Request a Diamond Grading Report
Objective and science-based diamond grading reports from sources like the GIA are invaluable. These reports serve as evidence of your purchase. Pinpointing slight differences between diamonds can be a difficult task even for a qualified jeweler. Thus, lab verification, in the form of a report, is essential. Make sure each diamond you purchase comes with a grading report that authenticates its level of quality.

4) Ensure the Purchase
Be sure to appraise and insure your diamond right after purchase. Present your appraisers and insurers with the stone’s diamond grading report so that they can accurately and precisely determine its value. Also, as an added security measure, have laser-trained professionals inscribe your diamond’s GIA report number on it. Doing this will render you able to track your diamond if it is ever lost or stolen.