Diamonds are beautiful and intricate stones used in various jewelry for both men and women. Traditionally, they symbolize commitment, faithfulness, and promise between loved ones; that is why they are popularly used in engagement rings. However, they also mean light and purity, making them widely used in various elegant jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
There are many jewelry pieces you can choose from, but there are also many things to consider before buying diamond jewelry. Here are some helpful tips to consider before purchasing your dream diamonds.
Know Your Budget
Diamonds are well known to be costly stones. Specifically, first-time buyers may find diamond jewelry pricier than what they initially expected. The number one thing you need to do when planning to purchase a diamond is to set out your budget.
Various factors can affect the price of diamond jewelry. Having a lower budget does not necessarily mean you are compromising the quality of the diamond you purchase. For instance, you can still purchase a good quality diamond but in a smaller stone size instead.
There are also lab-made diamonds you can consider to buy instead of mined diamonds. Lab-made diamonds cost 30% less with mined diamonds but offer the same durability and beauty. Knowing your budget first hand allows you to adjust your preference and not overspend when purchasing diamond jewelry.
The 4 C's
The four (4) C's stand for the Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight of the diamonds. These 4 C's are made by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and are used as a global standard in appraising a diamond's quality. The 4 C's heavily affect the quality, price, and design of a diamond. Hence, it is essential to know about them.
Cut of the Diamond
When purchasing diamond jewelry, the cut of the diamond is the most important thing to consider. The diamond's cut will determine how well it unleashes its light, which would make the diamond sparkle. Well-cut diamonds can enhance their color and clarity, making it look brighter and more brilliant.
The GIA grades the diamond cut in five (5) types: ideal, very good, good, fair, and poor.
Color of the Diamond
After the cut, the color of the diamond is the next most crucial thing to consider. Rare and high-quality diamonds will appear lacking in color to be completely colorless. The color in a diamond is graded as D-Z, where D is the colorless and Z is a light color.
The diamond's color affects the overall look of the jewelry. Colorless diamonds are the highest quality diamond, but nowadays, colored diamonds are also famous. They sometimes even cost more than the colorless diamonds.
Clarity of the Diamond
The diamond's clarity determines if there are any blemishes and flaws present internally and externally in the diamond. The higher the clarity, the flawless the diamond is. With the evident absence of inclusions and blemishes, light can pass better through the diamond, affecting its sparkle.
Carat Weight if the Diamond
The carat is the unit of measurement for the diamond's weight in jewelry. Carat weight immensely impacts a diamond jewelry's price where even a slight difference can cost you thousands of dollars. One (1) carat is equal to 0.2 grams.
Choose the Diamond Shape
With an understanding of the different diamonds' traits, you can then consider the design of the diamond jewelry you like to purchase. Choosing the diamond shape is your starting point in identifying the jewelry design you like the most. Remember, there is no diamond shape better than the other. Sample shapes include round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, pear, etc.
What metals to be used and accompanying stones is another factor to consider in buying pieces of jewelry. The diamond jewelry design can either be plain or intricate, traditional or modern, and all of it will be based entirely upon your personal preference and style.
Research Where You Buy
If you plan on spending a considerable amount of money on diamond jewelry, you have to make sure to buy it from a trusted seller. You can purchase the jewelry in a jeweler or retailer accredited by the GIA, your favorite jewelry shops, or visit itsHot.com. Research different shops to find the store you are most comfortable with making a purchase.
Ensure that the diamond you are purchasing is of good quality by checking its grading report from the GIA. Aside from the grading report, GIA and AGS provide certificates for diamonds that pass their standards.
Takeaway
Jewelry is a staple accessory that can either make or break your everyday style. They can be used in accentuating your overall look and showing your personality through your outfits. In choosing the right jewelry, understand the different diamond traits and how they affect the jewelry's look and price. With that, you can find the perfect mix for your perfect diamond jewelry.
