Diamond Buying Guide

1. Understand the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat

The 4 Cs are the main criteria used to evaluate diamonds. Here's a breakdown of each:

Cut

  • What it means: The cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted. It affects how the diamond reflects light, and thus its brilliance and sparkle.
  • Important factors:
    • Proportions (depth, table, angles)
    • Symmetry
    • Polish
  • Grades:
    • Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.
  • Tip: The cut is often considered the most important C because it impacts how the diamond looks.

Color

  • What it means: Diamonds come in a range of colors, from colorless to light yellow or brown. The less color, the higher the grade.
  • Color scale:
    • D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
    • Diamonds in the D-F range are considered colorless, while G-J are near-colorless.
  • Tip: For white diamonds, aim for at least G-H to get a good balance between quality and price.

Clarity

  • What it means: Clarity refers to the presence of natural imperfections (inclusions) or surface blemishes. Fewer imperfections mean a higher clarity grade.
  • Clarity scale:
    • FL (Flawless) to I3 (Inclusions obvious to the naked eye).
    • Most diamonds you’ll find fall in the VS (Very Small Inclusions) or SI (Slightly Included) categories, which offer good value for the money.
  • Tip: Unless you’re buying a very high-end diamond, clarity grades of VS1, VS2, or SI1 are typically the best value.

Carat Weight

  • What it means: Carat weight measures the size of the diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams.
  • Important notes:
    • Larger diamonds are more rare and more expensive.
    • A diamond with better cut and clarity may appear larger or more appealing, even if its carat weight is slightly smaller.
  • Tip: Don’t focus only on carat weight—balance it with cut, clarity, and color for the best value.

2. Consider the Shape of the Diamond

The shape of a diamond is different from its cut. It refers to the outline or geometric form of the diamond, and this can impact the overall appearance.

  • Popular shapes: Round, Princess, Oval, Emerald, Asscher, Cushion, Marquise, Pear, Radiant, and Heart.
  • Tip: Round diamonds tend to have the best overall brilliance, but fancy shapes like oval and cushion can be more affordable while still offering good sparkle.

3. Certification

Always purchase a diamond that comes with a certification from a reputable grading organization. This assures you that the diamond has been professionally evaluated for its 4 Cs.

  • Top certifications:
    • GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
    • AGS (American Gem Society)
    • IGI (International Gemological Institute)
  • Tip: Always ask to see the certification, which provides detailed information about the diamond’s quality.