Understanding the differences between diamonds is crucial to making an informed purchasing decision.

Learning how to purchase from a diamond jewelry store need not be a daunting task. Adequately armed with knowledge and educated guidance, you can find the diamond that meets your criteria and your budget.

How do you evaluate and select a truly stunning diamond?

Let’s begin with the basics, the 4 C’s:  Cut, Color, Carat and Clarity.  Yes, these are each important, but they do not exist in a vacuum. Unfortunately, most diamonds are cut for carat weight and therefore the brilliance and fire of the stone can be sacrificed. A trusted advisor can point out the pros and cons of each diamond so that you understand exactly what you are selecting and end up with a properly cut stone.

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As a first-time or repeat diamond buyer, you should have the right information to help select a truly beautiful stone. Key considerations for how to buy a diamond include items such as why:

1. You should never purchase a diamond based solely on the certificate grade
2. Diamonds submitted to the same laboratory may be graded differently each time
3. Location, size and color of inclusions can dramatically influence a diamond’s value
4. Larger stones are not necessarily the most proportional or brilliant
5. Brilliance (refractive index) of beautifully cut stones may be the same, even if their color or clarity grades are different
6. fluorescence in a diamond can decrease the value but not in all cases
7. A larger stone with lower color or clarity may be as sound an investment as a better quality smaller stone
8. An educated diamond professional can guide you through your purchase and ensure that you find the perfect diamond for you or your loved one

Brilliance and value, mentioned in number 5 above, are the most important considerations…and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) doesn’t even evaluate for them. It’s important that you understand what they mean in terms of your diamond selection.

Once you’ve made your decision, it’s essential to have your jewelry appraised for insurance purposes and for peace-of-mind. We have our own in-house independent laboratory of jewelry appraisers, the American Diamond Laboratory (ADL), whose reports you can submit to your insurance company.  As a rule, we recommend getting your engagement ring and other diamond jewelry reappraised every five years.

Lastly, and perhaps the most significant step in the process, is selecting a diamond company who you like and trust. Purchasing a diamond for an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry need not be intimidating.  When handled correctly, your selection process should be enjoyable, informative and rewarding. If you feel pressured to make a decision, you’re probably not in the right place. With decades of experience in buying conflict-free diamonds, the experts of Ascot Diamonds are qualified to teach you how to select and purchase the right diamond. Our clients return to us again and again and their own words speak for themselves in terms of satisfaction. We invite you to see why…

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