When compared to a jewellery store, where your options are far more limited, the sheer number of diamonds available online might make it feel impossible to choose the perfect one. Think about the following diamond-buying steps. While your hunt for the perfect diamond will be different from everybody else's, this can serve as a guide.
Diamonds have been used for thousands of years to evoke feelings, mesmerise, and seduce. The ancient Greeks equated diamonds with the tears of the gods, whereas the Romans thought they were bits of stars that had fallen to Earth. The Egyptians believed there was a "vein of love" that flowed from the fourth finger to the heart. Hence they traditionally wore diamond rings there. Diamonds have inspired countless tales because of their rarity and enduring allure.
The diamond shopping experience can be daunting, but armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to think like a jeweller and make an informed decision. Discover Australia's finest and most distinctive Lab Rings.
To Begin, Let's Go Over The 4 C's (Very Briefly):
- Carat – This is the most fundamental and common knowledge about diamond worth. One carat is the unit of measurement for the weight of a diamond. 2 grammes.
- Colour –Colour grades range from D (totally colourless) to Z (yellowish), with D being the most valuable and Z the least. Apart from fancy-cut diamonds, fancy-coloured diamonds have their own colour spectrum, ranging from "faint" to "fancy deep."
- Cut – The shape of a diamond is sometimes misunderstood to be this. The quality of a cut can be rated anywhere from "excellent" to "very good" to "good" to "fair," depending on the size difference between the thickest and thinnest parts of the cut. When the diamond's narrowest and thickest points fall somewhere in between the two extremes, we say that the cut is superb.
- Clarity – Diamond clarity is difficult to judge visually. Appraisers utilise specialised equipment to look for defects and imperfections in diamonds (internal flaws). A diamond with the highest possible grade, "internally flawless (IF)," has no visible flaws on the inside and is, therefore, extremely precious. On the other end of the spectrum, inclusions are so obvious that they earn an "I1" grade.
Things You Need To Know Purchasing A Diamond Ring
The demand for diamonds of varying qualities and for use in jewellery is rising. Diamond jewellery and accessories are popular gifts for many occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings, and just because.
It's important to plan when you'll wear the finished piece before deciding on the stones. The price of a diamond ring depends on more than just the carat weight of the centre stone.
In order to help you better comprehend diamond rings, here is some information you should know before going shopping.
Lab-Grown Or Natural
Most purchasers are unaware they even have this option. Yet it's true that there are two distinct kinds of diamonds out there, and it takes a trained eye to tell them apart.
The diamonds you have seen and heard about your whole life are real diamonds. It occurs naturally and is then fashioned for sale to end users.
On the other hand, laboratory-grown diamonds are created with extreme precision and care. They are becoming increasingly popular, and many customers are pleased to pay less for a high-quality diamond ring.
Shapes
The traditional round-cut diamond is the most often publicised shape, so you may be familiar with it. Yet, there are a plethora of different lovely shapes that may be easily found in stores.
This is why it's important to consider the following guidelines when choosing a diamond cut:
- Asscher
- Baguette
- Brilliant
- Carats
- Cushion
- Emerald
- Heart
- Marquise
- Oval
- Princess
- Pear
- Trillion
Diamonds are measured in carats, the internationally accepted unit of weight. One ounce of diamond weighs roughly 142 carats. So how does that affect the cost in any way? The rarity and price of an object rise in tandem with its mass.
This means that a diamond of a higher carat weight will always command a higher price per carat than its smaller counterpart. A four-carat diamond, for instance, will set you back more than four one-carat stones.
Diamonds can be cut into many different shapes and sizes, so it's important to familiarise yourself with your alternatives. Although round diamonds are more common, square diamonds have become increasingly trendy over the past few years. Diamonds can also be found in a variety of other shapes than the standard round and square cuts, including oval, marquise, cushion, pear, heart, and trillion (which is essentially a triangle). It also has four-cornered cuts, including the princess, brilliant, Asscher, emerald, and baguette. You need to know how to shop wisely if you want to get the most out of your money.
Importance Of Cut Grade
A diamond's cut grade is often disregarded by buyers because it was formerly not listed on diamond reports. Now that it's part of the scale, "excellent cut" accounts for 80% of diamond cut grades, increasing diamond value by 12%. Polish and symmetry are the two components that make up a diamond's cut grade. These two components receive separate grades that are combined to determine the final grade. The polish describes how smooth the diamond's surface is, while the symmetry evaluates how well the diamond's facets are evenly spaced.
Fluorescence
When exposed to ultraviolet light, certain trace minerals undergo a chemical process known as fluorescence. Around a third of diamonds are fluorescent, and while it's not universal, the strength and colour of the fluorescence can alter how the diamond's true colour is viewed.
Traditional wisdom holds that fluorescence always has a negative effect on a diamond's worth. However, new knowledge shows that it can have both good and negative effects. Most fluorescence is blue (almost 95% of all cases), which can make a diamond look brighter and whiter. In some cases, a diamond's value can go up, while in others, it can go down depending on the level of fluorescence present.
Market Demand & Rarity
While flawless diamonds do exist, they are exceedingly rare and thus extremely expensive, especially when greater in carat weight or when coloured by nature. A diamond might have high ratings but be of an unpopular shape. Although consumers have varying preferences, it is common knowledge that certain forms sell better than others. While the marquise-shaped diamond was at its height of popularity in the 1980s, the brilliant round cut has maintained its popularity for decades. We at Temple and Grace have witnessed this phenomenon play out in the final resale of a diamond of any quality.
Diamond Substitutes
You should probably consult diamond professionals before making any diamond purchases. The seasoned jewellers at Finer Jewellery say that diamond professionals are ideally suited to provide you with the information you need to make an informed purchase in terms of the diamond cut you have in mind, as well as how well it fits into your budget. Have an appointment with these jewellers so you can learn more about diamonds before you buy.
This will allow you to distinguish between a genuine diamond and the more common diamond imitation, cubic zirconia. The latter is far less expensive than a genuine diamond, yet it is impossible to tell the difference to the naked eye. Also, cubic zirconia gradually loses its lustre over time. A consultation with diamond professionals can help you avoid spending your hard-earned money on a fake stone and instead save you for the real thing.
This should be done in tandem with a thorough examination of the precious stone's accompanying certificate. This document guarantees the diamond's authenticity and quality by detailing the diamond's grade, serial number, and genuineness of the stone's colour, clarity, and weight. Having said that, you shouldn't rest easy just because you have the certificate in your possession. If you must have a certificate, be sure it comes from a respected gemologist or laboratory. It is highly recommended that you make a consultation with an experienced diamond jeweller prior to purchasing your diamonds so that you can discuss all of these matters with them.
Diamond Carat
A carat is the standard unit of weight for diamond stones. Understanding the diamond carat, or one-fifth of a gramme, is crucial since the heavier the stone, the higher its value. In addition, the rarity of a diamond increases with its carat weight. A two-carat diamond, for instance, is always going to be worth more than two one-carat diamonds.
Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity is another important quality to learn about. Genuine diamonds should theoretically never lose their lustre. In contrast, there are diamond stones that aren't in their finest form; they are still genuine diamonds, but they might not be as sparkly as pure diamond stones. As a result, the market value of a perfect diamond is the highest, while the value of other diamond grades may be significantly lower. The usual rule is that the lesser the quality of the diamond, the lower the price will be.
In the diamond clarity table, the most valuable diamonds are those with an FL grade, also known as the flawless grade. The next lower-priced grade after FL is IF, which stands for "internally faultless." Very, very slightly included (VVS1), very, very slightly included (VS2), and very slightly included (VS1) are diamonds with extremely minute traces of flaws. Slightly Included (SI1, SI2, and SI3) diamonds have more impurities than more heavily Included (I1, I2, and I3) diamonds, but heavily Included (I1, I2, and I3) diamonds have the most impurities. That's why it's the lowest-quality diamond possible.
The clarity of a diamond is one of the most important qualities to look for before making a purchase. The more flaws a diamond has, the quicker it will lose its lustre. A diamond ring is a significant investment, so it makes it natural that you would want it to retain its lustre for as long as possible.
Diamond prices can fluctuate widely depending on the clarity grade. The greatest clarity grade, faultless, is also the most expensive, whereas the least expensive grades, I2, and I3, are the most inclusive.
Diamond Colour
The diamond's colour is just as important as its carat weight and clarity in determining how much you can expect to pay for the gemstone. The amount of yellow, brown, or grey in a diamond is what determines its colour. Because of their superior brilliance versus coloured diamonds, colourless diamonds command the highest prices. D is for colourless, and Z is for very intense yellow; these letters represent the spectrum of diamond colour grades. Coloured diamonds, such as blue, orange, green, pink, or red, are more valuable than colourless diamonds because of their rarity and uniqueness.
Diamond Cut
Diamonds can be cut to maximise their brilliance. In fact, 58-faceted fancy-shaped diamonds, which include both angled and flat surfaces, are highly sought after because they best display the stone's inherent brilliance. Diamonds with the best cuts are the most expensive because they reflect light so brilliantly. The diamond's sparkle, especially when illuminated from behind, might be affected by other cuts, such as one that is too deep or too shallow.
Things You Must Consider Before Purchasing A Diamond
- Finances. Think about whether or not you can afford a diamond before you acquire one. Although every man would like to surprise his fiance with a 5-carat diamond ring, doing so on credit would be irresponsible if he cannot afford it.
- Find out what sort of diamond he or she is looking to buy. Is it too little, or is that the ideal size? Keep in mind that a smaller, higher-quality diamond may be valued more than a larger, lower-quality diamond.
- Choose a shop. Buying diamonds from reputable jewellers is the best way to ensure you obtain a high-quality stone at a fair price. As diamonds may now be bought online, it is important to ensure that the vendors you deal with are legitimate.
- Certification. Real diamonds have credentials. Be on the lookout for certifications before making any purchases.
- Choose the diamond's carat size before making a purchase. The most popular carat size is between half a diamond and two carats, and you can find them at most jewellery stores. In addition, their costs reflect those considerations.
- Decide on the colour grade. Diamonds with lower colour grades can be purchased for significantly less money, allowing for the purchase of larger stones.
- One or more stoned rings. A solitaire diamond of 1.5 carats will cost more than a ring with six diamonds of 0.25 carats each. This is because bigger diamonds are extremely rare.
- The shape. Diamonds can be cut into several shapes, including square, marquise, oval, and pear. The final three silhouettes are what really make a diamond pop.
- Pick a colour. Diamonds with any trace of colour at all are far more affordable than their colourless counterparts. Some people like it best with mild tints added for aesthetic effect.
- What constitutes a successful purchase depends on the individual's criteria. Even if one can afford 5-carat diamonds, one should buy a 0.5-carat diamond instead if that would make the buyer considerably happier.
Everyone has to make decisions for themselves that satisfy their unique sense of style, preferences, and requirements. Knowing the true value of a diamond might help you make more informed decisions, whether purchasing or selling. Use this information to have some fun and spoil yourself or someone you care about.
Conclusion
People have been attracted to diamonds for millennia. Diamond grading reports include carat weight, colour range, and cut style. Despite the difficulties of visually determining clarity, "internally flawless (IF)" diamonds are extremely costly. Whether in jewellery or not, diamonds are becoming more popular as gifts. Diamond rings cost more than just the size of the centre stone.
Diamonds are either natural or lab-made. Jewellery retailers sell several diamond cuts, but the brilliant round cut is the most popular. Since rarity and price increase with bulk, bigger diamonds always sell for more per carat. Diamonds can be cut into many shapes and sizes that consumers ignore cut grades. Diamond cut grades depend on polish and symmetry.
Diamonds fluoresce, hiding their true colour. Fluorescence normally diminishes a diamond's value, but a recent study suggests the contrary. Before buying, talk to experts about diamonds and how to spot fakes. This should be done alongside a thorough gemstone certificate review. The diamond's grade, serial number, and authenticity of colour, clarity, and weight are most important.
Content Summary
- Compared to a jewellery store, where your options are far more limited, the sheer number of diamonds available online might make it impossible to choose the perfect one.
- While your hunt for the perfect diamond will be different from everybody else's, this can serve as a guide.
- One carat is the unit of measurement for the weight of a diamond.
- The price of a diamond ring depends on more than just the carat weight of the centre stone.
- Yet it's true that there are two distinct kinds of diamonds out there, and it takes a trained eye to tell them apart.
- The traditional round-cut diamond is the most often publicised shape so you may be familiar with it.
- Diamonds can be cut into many different shapes and sizes, so it's important to familiarise yourself with your alternatives.
- You need to know how to shop wisely to get the most out of your money.
- Buyers often need to pay more attention to a diamond's cut grade because it was formerly not listed on diamond reports.
- When exposed to ultraviolet light, certain trace minerals undergo a chemical process known as fluorescence.
- Around a third of diamonds are fluorescent, and while it's not universal, the strength and colour of the fluorescence can alter how the diamond's true colour is viewed.
- Traditional wisdom holds that fluorescence always has a negative effect on a diamond's worth.
- In some cases, a diamond's value can go up, while in others, it can go down depending on the level of fluorescence present.
- You should consult diamond professionals before making any diamond purchases.
- Have an appointment with these jewellers to learn more about diamonds before you buy.
- This will allow you to distinguish between a genuine diamond and the more common diamond imitation, cubic zirconia.
- A consultation with diamond professionals can help you avoid spending your hard-earned money on a fake stone and save you for the real thing.
- This document guarantees the diamond's authenticity and quality by detailing the diamond's grade, serial number, and genuineness of the stone's colour, clarity, and weight.
- You shouldn't rest easy just because you have the certificate.
- If you must have a certificate, be sure it comes from a respected gemologist or laboratory.
- As a result, the market value of a perfect diamond is the highest, while the value of other diamond grades may be significantly lower.
- The usual rule is that the lesser the quality of the diamond, the lower the price will be.
- That's why it's the lowest-quality diamond possible.
- The greatest clarity grade, faultless, is also the most expensive, whereas the least expensive grades, I2, and I3, are the most inclusive.
- The diamond's colour is as important as its carat weight and clarity in determining how much you can expect to pay for the gemstone.
- The amount of yellow, brown, or grey in a diamond determines its colour.
- Because of their superior brilliance versus coloured diamonds, colourless diamonds command the highest prices.
- D is for colourless, and Z is for very intense yellow; these letters represent the spectrum of diamond colour grades.
- Diamonds can be cut to maximise their brilliance.
- Diamonds with the best cuts are the most expensive because they reflect light so brilliantly.
- Think about whether or not you can afford a diamond before you acquire one.
- Find out what sort of diamond they are looking to buy.
- Remember that a smaller, higher-quality diamond may be valued more than a larger, lower-quality diamond.
- Buying diamonds from reputable jewellers is the best way to ensure you obtain a high-quality stone at a fair price.
- Choose the diamond's carat size before making a purchase.
- Knowing the true value of a diamond might help you make more informed decisions, whether purchasing or selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is up to the person to decide which diamond cut is most suitable for an engagement ring. The round, princess, cushion, emerald, and oval shapes are among the most sought after in engagement rings.
Your tastes and preferences will determine the best course of action. For example, when purchasing a diamond, it is possible to find more options and better deals online; nevertheless, shopping at a physical store allows you to see the stone in person and consult with an expert.
While selecting a diamond cut, the shape of the diamond, its proportions, symmetry, and polish are the most significant aspects to consider. In addition, a diamond that has been cut properly will have the most brightness, fire, and scintillation possible, increasing its beauty and value.
Seek diamonds that have been given a stamp of approval by a respectable organisation, such as the Kimberley Process or the Responsible Jewellery Council, stating that they were mined in a way that did not contribute to or benefit from any violent conflict.
Research the current price of diamonds on the market and compare the prices various sellers offer. While determining the value of the diamond, it is important to consider not only the 4 Cs but also any different characteristics.