DIAMOND BUYING GUIDE
How to judge a diamond's value
Diamond values are based on the 4 C's (Cut, Color Clarity, Carat Weight) and can vary in price dramatically according to the degree of fineness in each category. Naturally the finest diamonds command the highest price per carat because of their rarity.
The Importance of the Cut
When a diamond is cut to ideal proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the table or top of the stone. If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the pavilion or bottom. If the cut is too shallow, light escapes throughout the pavilion before it can be reflected. The finer a stone is the cut the more brilliant the diamond.
Unfortunately the cutters have many theories on what are the exact proportions for the maximum brilliance. There is not an answer to this because there are so many factors that affect light refraction because of proportions. Fine cut diamonds all fall into a variance of two to four percent of the term “ideal.”
Color isn't something you are looking for in a diamond
The color of a diamond is referred to as the body color. Some diamonds can have yellow towards the culet and this will show throughout the diamond, which can cause the grading to be off because the body color is whiter.
The most prized diamonds are colorless which means the diamond has no traces of color. Most diamonds sold today are not colorless and tend to have hints of yellow. When purchasing a diamond you should always purchase in the white range. There are a couple exceptions to the rule. The diamond could have florescence and masks the true color. The finest cut diamonds can also mask color because they are more brilliant.
Clarity lets a diamond's beauty show through
Nature determines a diamond's clarity. To determine a diamond's clarity grading, it must be examined under a 10x magnification by a trained eye. Inclusions are the fingerprints of diamonds that make each one unique. The determination of the clarity grade depends on the size, location, number and type of inclusions that have formed naturally in the diamond. Flawless diamonds are rare; however diamonds with flaws are more common. Most people purchase a diamond that the inclusions cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Carat weight: Size matters
As with all precious stones, the weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat is divided into 100 "points" so that a diamond that weighs 25 points can be described as a quarter of a carat,.25 ct.. Size is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond. However two diamonds of equal size can have very unequal prices depending on their other characteristics.
What is right for you?
Since you now know the basics of buying a diamond, you should also know it will be very difficult for you to compare different diamonds that have the same lab reports. As with anything else, what is right for you is what is most important. So be sure to talk with one of our diamond experts and let them help you pick out the perfect stone that fits your needs and budget.
