Top 8 Things When Buying a Diamond
Top Things to know When Buying a Diamond.
So you’ve decided that you are ready to ask your girlfriend to marry you… congratulations! Now you are in the same boat with lots of other guys asking the question… how do I buy a truly stunning diamond?
There are 8 important issues every buyer should know when learning how to buy a diamond.
1. You should never purchase a diamond based on the certificate grade alone. Two diamonds that seem identical (certified by the same laboratory, same carat weight, color and clarity) are not necessarily equal in value. One diamond can be worth much more than the other.
2. Diamond grading is not a perfect science but is really one person’s opinion (although it is a very educated opinion). Color and clarity grades can often change on the same stone if it is submitted to the same lab more than once!
3. The size, location and type of inclusion (imperfection in the diamond) can greatly impact the price of a diamond. When learning how to buy a diamond, it is important to understand that the natural flaws in a diamond can be black or white. Diamonds with black inclusions are less valuable than ones with white, delicate inclusions.
4. Typically, carat weight is a priority for most buyers. Have you ever heard a woman say she would like a small diamond?! Because of this, cutters will sometimes leave weight on a diamond in undesirable places in order to increase the carat weight. The end result is a diamond that is heavier overall but will not necessarily look bigger on top where it’s important. Stones cut in this way are not as brilliant as properly cut diamonds.
5. The brilliance of a diamond is directly related to the cut of the diamond. Two properly cut diamonds will have the same brilliance no matter the color or clarity grades. The only exception is if the diamond is heavily included with a grade of I1 to I3.
6. Fluorescence can lower the value of a diamond depending on its effect on the diamond’s brilliance. Faint to medium fluorescence has little effect on the value and can actually help the appearance in colors I and lower. You should never buy a diamond with Strong to Very Strong blue fluorescence.
7. Suppose you have two diamonds that cost the same… one is larger with a modest quality; the other is a smaller diamond with a higher quality. It can definitely make sense to purchase the larger diamond. Again, pay attention to the diamond cut. This is the feature that makes a diamond brilliant and eye-catching!
8. When learning how to buy a diamond, the most important thing to do is work with a professional who has your best interests in mind. Ascot Diamonds provides each client with unparalleled education, quality and customer service.