Diamond Buying Guide
6 tips on how to buy a diamond.
Buying a diamond can be a daunting experience for some, especially with limited knowledge of the terminology used by the professionals. Armed with the right information you can make an informed decision and enjoy your diamond buying experience.
1. View your diamond in person
For most people, purchasing a diamond is a significant investment that lasts a lifetime. The most important piece of advice I could give is to always view a selection of loose diamonds in person before you purchase one. This way you can be sure you are happy with the size, colour and cut and ensure it will suit your hand and fit the ring that will be built around it.
For most people, purchasing a diamond is a significant investment that lasts a lifetime.
Whilst the internet is a valuable tool for research, buying diamonds online isn’t advisable as it’s difficult to discern which diamonds have been sourced from reputable suppliers to ensure that they are conflict free, certified and offer you the best possible quality and value. I offer diamond certifications with every purchase and can even source laser inscribed diamonds to increase security.I offer obligation-free diamond consultations where you can see a selection of diamonds in person and get help choosing the perfect stone for your bespoke piece and your budget.
2. Know the terminology
The 4 Cs – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat – of diamond quality is a language jewellers everywhere use to describe the attributes of a diamond, that when taken together, help to determine its overall quality.
Cut – While diamonds can be fashioned into different shapes, the term ‘cut’ refers to how a diamond’s complex proportions and angles relate to light. This is generally considered the most important of the 4 Cs a diamond might have the best colour and clarity, but without being well cut, it will not sparkle.
Colour – Although distinctions can be quite subtle and only visible to the trained eye, the colour of a diamond can have a significant impact on price. The diamond colour scale uses letters to represent colour, ranging from the most highly valued ’D’ (colourless) to ‘Z’ (light yellow or brown).
Clarity – Diamonds are created by nature under tremendous heat and pressure. Nearly all diamonds contain unique internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes. The diamond clarity scale contains 11 grades ranging from ‘Flawless’ to ‘Included’.
Carat – The most recognised and misunderstood of the 4 Cs, the term ‘carat’ refers to the weight of the diamond – not the size. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams, and each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points’. This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place.
The most recognised and misunderstood of the 4 Cs, the term ‘carat’ refers to the weight of the diamond – not the size.
You can learn more about the 4 Cs by organising a diamond consultation where I can demonstrate the attributes of a diamond and offer you some advice to help you choose the right diamond for your special piece.3. Choose a shape
Diamonds come in many different shapes including round (brilliant), square (princess), cushion, emerald, asscher, radiant, marquise, oval and pear. All diamond shapes have different attributes, but the overall beauty of the individual shapes is a matter of personal taste.
Although very different in appearance, there is no difference in quality between different shapes, however some shapes have more facets and hence appear more sparkly such as the round (brilliant) cut. The choice of a diamond shape is a very personal and subjective decision and one that we suggest you consider in the early stages of choosing a diamond.
The best way to find out what diamond shape you prefer is to try on a range of rings to see what shape suits your hand. I can show you a range of different diamond shapes or you can try on one of our display rings.
4. Have a budget
Before you start your search it is important to set yourself a budget, as diamond prices vary greatly depending on size and quality. This way you will be able to find the best possible diamond that suits your circumstances.
It’s not just the size of the diamond that makes a striking bespoke piece, and the design and setting of the featured stone is just as important.
A common guide for engagement ring diamonds is roughly two months’ wages, however this is just a guide and you should choose a budget that is comfortable for your circumstances.Bear in mind that it’s not just the size of the diamond that makes a striking bespoke piece, and the design and setting of the featured stone is just as important. Rest assured, a good jeweller is able to work with you to create a breathtakingly beautiful jewellery piece no matter what your budget is.
5. Shop smart
Diamond prices vary greatly depending on where you buy them from. Retail shops have high overheads (expensive rents and dedicated sales staff) and have to cover their costs by charging higher prices for their diamonds.
Some online suppliers can seem inexpensive but have been known to sell inferior diamonds with inaccurate quality claims, quote prices that don’t include GST (which is illegal) and even deliver diamonds different to the one chosen.
Dealing directly with a jeweller will ensure you can leverage their knowledge and network to get the best value for your money. Make sure you speak to a qualified jeweller or gemologist and take note of their credentials and affiliations. This way you can be sure that the information you receive is accurate and the diamonds are sourced from reputable suppliers.
6. Ask for an independent diamond grading report
Diamonds should always be accompanied by an independent diamond grading report or certificate, which is an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s quality. It provides a description of the diamond’s 4Cs and confirms that the stone is a natural or synthetic diamond. The report also discloses any treatments the diamond may have undergone to alter its colour or clarity.
