Diamond Guide
Diamonds are the prettiest and most valuable gemstones in the world. Owning diamonds is regarded as a status symbol in most societies and that’s the reason we all want to add it to our jewelry collection. Buying a dazzling diamond at a reasonable price is a tough nut to crack so we are there to help you.
In this diamond guide, we have included everything you need to know regarding choosing your diamond necklace, diamond engagement ring, or anniversary ring. The diamond guide has included some of the best practices that you can follow. So, without any further delay, let’s get going.
Understanding of Diamonds
Apart from signifying luxury and class, diamonds are also used as a medium of expressing your love and emotion to someone special. Be it your mother, your wife, or your best friend, by gifting a diamond in the form of a ring, necklace, or bracelet, you can make her day the most memorable one.
Now let’s talk about the origin of diamonds and how they came into existence is the question that still remains the same. So, let’s deep dive into it.
More than billions of years ago, deep beneath the surface of the Earth, extreme pressure and high temperatures made carbon atoms bond so tightly that they gave birth to the hardest natural mineral on the earth which today we all refer to as “Diamond”.
They stayed hidden for millions of years under the Earth’s surface. It is due to the volcanic activities that made them transported upwards in magma. Then, in the 4th Century BC in India, the first lot of diamonds was found. Today, they are known as one of the most beautiful and dazzling gemstones on the Earth.
Choosing diamonds for your engagements, weddings, and ceremonies is an exciting and memorable experience. The chosen diamond will be unique not only because of its physical traits but also because of the bond it represents as an enduring symbol of love and commitment.
![Diamond Fluorescence](https://evaradiamonds.net/wp-content/themes/belrose-diamonds/assets/img/diamond-clarity-scale/Diamond-Clarity-Mean.webp")
The 4 Cs of Diamonds
Most of us are familiar with the 4 C’s of diamonds. Those of you who don’t know, after reading this section will be fully aware of all the nitty-gritty of this model. The 4 C’s stand for – cut, color, carat, and clarity. Although there’s much to learn about purchasing diamonds, knowing these four basics will give you a strong foundation and boost your confidence when deciding which diamond to buy.
Diamond Cut
The primary objective after cutting a diamond is to bring out the brilliance and intensity of the gemstone. The way your diamond draws and releases light will ultimately decide its beauty. In case, the diamond is cut poorly, then it makes the diamond look flat and boring.
Diamond Color
Ideally, a diamond is completely colorless. Colorless diamonds, therefore, are the most expensive types of diamonds. Though most diamonds appear colorless to the naked eye, they actually have a slight tint of yellow or brown.
Diamond Clarity
“Clarity” refers to the internal and external flaws within a diamond, known as “inclusions” and “blemishes.” The higher clarity grade signifies fewer or less visible flaws/imperfections, making the diamond more valuable and eye-catching.
Diamond Carat
The bigger the diamond, the better the chances of impressing your partner. It generally refers to its weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Higher-carat diamonds are more valuable, however, cut, shape, and proportions are also responsible for their overall look and feel.
Different Diamond Shapes
After covering the 4 C’s of diamonds, now it’s the time to understand the various diamond shapes (also called diamond cuts) of a diamond, so here it goes.
Oval Diamonds
Like the round shape, the oval cut captures light wonderfully. This style generally makes the diamond look larger and also has the effect of lengthening the appearance of your finger.
Princess Cut Diamonds
The princess-cut diamond is a square-shaped gem with delicate craftsmanship allowing light to enter magnificently. It is an ideal choice for those who admire vintage rings, especially those from the Art Deco era.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The emerald cut has been gaining massive popularity due to its beauty and brilliance. The distinguished cut not only enhances the appearance of the diamond, making it seem larger but also adds an elegant enlargement effect to the finger.
Heart Diamonds
The heart-shaped diamond, often considered the queen of Valentine’s Day, is a stunning way to express your deep emotions. Adding ruby accent stones can provide an extra layer of charm and sentiment.
Pear Diamonds
A popular diamond cut among celebrities, this cut is often called the teardrop. With its sharp point, deep sparkle, and undeniable elegance, it’s a standout choice. In contrast to soft gems like emeralds and rubies, diamonds can maintain their beauty in this shape with proper care.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The shape of a cushion-cut diamond is square or rectangular with rounded corners, resembling a cushion. These diamonds are renowned for their soft and romantic look and beautifully combine the brilliance of round cuts with a touch of vintage look.
Marquise Diamonds
This particular diamond shape includes two elongated points. It is an excellent choice for an engagement ring or a cocktail ring.
Round Diamonds
The circle-shaped or round cut diamond is considered the most classic diamond shape and is extremely popular. Its dazzling sparkle catches the eyes of everybody. The circle cut beautifully allows the light to enter the diamond’s stone.
What Diamond Certifications Should You Look For?
Diamond certifications make sure that you are getting value for your money in terms of color, cut, clarity, and carat. The diamond certification is like proof of authenticity and genuineness.
Apart from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) which is the primary authority on diamond certification, there are other accredited agencies as well which are renowned internationally such as International Gemological Institute (IGI) and SGL Labs. If the diamond you are purchasing is certified by accredited agencies like GIA, IGI, and SGL, it is considered genuine.
How to Choose the Perfect Diamond for You?
Several factors must be considered while choosing the perfect diamond so that it matches your taste and budget. Follow these key aspects to make a sound decision:
The 4 C’s
Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight, are the four C’s that determine the value of a diamond. Hence, the combination should be as such it amplifies the value of the diamond.
Shape
Various shapes of diamonds are available in the market like round, emerald, cushion, and princess. According to your taste and preference, choose your shape.
Setting and Metal
The overall look of the diamond can be impacted due to the setting and the metal of the band. Make sure the setting is complementing your style and personality.
Certification
Always choose a diamond that is certified by a reputed body like the Gemological Institute of America. The certification signifies the authenticity and genuineness of the diamond.
Budget
Always plan your purchase according to your budget. You need to strike a balance of the 4 C’s to get the best value within your budget.
Preference
At the end of the day, it is your personal preference that matters the most while you hunt for your favorite diamond. Choose a diamond that satisfies your soul.
If you are still facing doubts, then we are happy to help you. Just give us a call or visit in person to meet our gemstone experts to make the best purchase deal of your life.
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How to Care for Your Diamond
Taking care of a diamond involves the following steps:
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Timely cleaning
Cleaning your diamond with a soft brush and a mild solution of warm water and dish soap is generally recommended. Dry the diamond with a lint-free cloth after rinsing it well.
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Avoid applying harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals such as bleach or chlorine must be kept away from your diamond as they can damage and dull the stone.
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Safe Storage
In terms of storage, keep your diamond jewelry in a soft pouch or a jewelry box with a section to prevent it from damaging or scratching.
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Professional Examination
The setting and the stone of your diamond should be inspected by a jeweler at least once a year.
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Heat Protection
Extreme heat damages the diamond, hence keep it away from it to avoid the damage and weakening of its setting.
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Wear with Care
Diamonds should not be worn during activities that could scratch or damage them, such as exercising, gardening, and swimming.
Conclusion
In the end, we hope the information we provided in this comprehensive guide has added some significant value to you. So, the next time you visit a jeweler or order a diamond online, these guidelines will help you save a lot of money and time. In case you still feel skeptical, do give us a call and our experts will guide you in the best possible manner. Lastly, if you find this article helpful, do give your valuable feedback in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
How can I value my diamond?
The value of a diamond is determined mainly by the 4 Cs of the diamond. A diamond’s value on the wholesale level is first based on its shape and size range (e.g. 1.00ct – 1.49ct). Furthermore, it is broken down by color & clarity and then priced per carat.
How can I check a diamond’s quality?
Focus on the 4 C’s while assessing the quality of a diamond:
- Carat: Signifies the weight of a diamond. Diamonds that are larger are considered more valuable.
- Cut: It tells the shape and facet of a diamond. A well-cut diamond is more sparkling & dazzling.
- Color: From colorless to light yellow/brown (D-Z). The higher the quality the less color.
- Clarity: Takes internal flaws (inclusions) and external blemishes into account. Quality gets better with fewer flaws.
For evaluating a diamond, you must:
- Go through the grading report from GIA or AGS.
- Use a loupe to check color and clarity
- Compare under different lighting for brilliance
In case of any doubt, make sure you are consulting a certified gemologist. Understanding these fundamentals will help you pick the right diamond.
Which quality of a diamond is best?
FL is considered the best diamond clarity due to its completely flawless nature from inside and outside. These grades of diamonds are quite rare to be found and, hence, are the most valuable.
Can I sell my old diamond?
Yes, you can sell your old diamond to a buyer or a jeweler. However, there are chances you might lose some money on selling, and the amount you get depends on the circumstances and the buyer. In contrast, it may also happen that you gain some amount in addition to your original investment if the prices go up. So, everything depends on the circumstances.
How to calculate the diamond price?
There is a simple formula to calculate the diamond price. Just multiply the carat weight by the diamond price per carat to determine the cost of a diamond. For example, to calculate the price of 0.96ct H VVS2 round brilliant cut, it is told to locate the cell on the table and substitute the values. The price given for H VVS2 is 61 ($100s). Generally, the main factors determining the diamond’s price are its size, quality, demand, and certification.
What carat diamond is best?
There is no one fixed answer to this question. The “best” carat weight for a diamond depends on factors such as personal preference, budget, ring style, and finger size & setting. Therefore, the best carat weight is directly related to all of these above-mentioned factors.
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