If you ask around, the majority of women will admit their love for diamonds. Of all precious stones, the diamond takes the top spot in terms of popularity. It’s no surprise that when people think about proposing to their loved one or plan to get married, a diamond ring is one of the first things in their mind.
Diamond is the most common choice for every occasion. From casual wear to formal items, you can find a variety of designs to suit every occasion. Diamonds, the most exquisite and valuable gemstone is popular for a reason. This stone not only looks phenomenal but also holds immense value. The process of diamond formation is pretty fascinating. The majority of these valuable stones evolved in the Earth’s mantle 3 billion years ago. In this layer, carbon atoms crystallize due to extreme heat of over 1,300 degrees Celsius and pressure of 45 to 60 kilobars. This type of carbon is referred to as a ‘diamond’. Magma bursts from volcanic explosions, bringing diamonds to the surface. After going through a refining process, these stones find a home in jewelry stores.
Buying a piece of diamond jewelry can never be a wrong decision. However, without some prior knowledge, you may end up overspending on an inferior-quality stone. This happens because not everyone has the experience required to detect a quality diamond and correctly assess its value. So, to avoid wasting your money, here are some tips to help you buy the best quality diamond jewelry.
Determine Your Budget
Before you start looking for a piece of jewelry, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you can spend. Setting a budget before going shopping is essential to avoid overspending. When choosing between stunning diamond pieces, it’s easy to blow your budget. There’s no specific rule regarding how much you should spend. It all depends on how much can comfortably afford for a diamond ring without going into debt. Once you set your budget, stick to it!
Learn Basic Terminology
Choosing the best diamond in your budget involves narrowing down options based on the 4Cs — Cut, Color, Carat, and Clarity. You need to find a perfect combination of these 4Cs while staying under budget. Diamonds are graded and evaluated for quality using the four Cs. A basic understanding of these 4Cs will help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
The first important C is Cut which to how well-cut the stone is. Better the cut, the higher its ability to reflect light and sparkle. Next is Color which refers to diamond grades based on colors. The finest and most valuable diamonds are colorless. Another important C is Carat which refers to the actual size and weight of the diamond. The fourth C is Clarity which categorizes diamonds based on the presence or absence of flaws known as inclusions and blemishes.
Diamond Certification
Branded items are popular because they provide confidence and guarantee of high quality. Buying a diamond with a certificate is always preferable. A certificate from a recognized gem lab, such as GIA or AGSL ensures that the diamond is checked and graded. These grading labs verify each factor such as the exact measurements, weight, clarity, color, cut, symmetry, polish, and quality of each diamond. This allows you to make an educated decision about which piece to purchase.