How To Buy Perfect Diamond For Your Jewellery?
9 Tips To Choose Perfect Diamond For Your Jewellery
1) Know the 4Cs
Cut
We believe the cut is the most important aspect of choosing a diamond. It's basically what determines the proportion, symmetry, and polish of a diamond. The right cut will enhance the spark and the light refraction of the diamond. The better the cut, the more likely your diamond is to sparkle brightly and look gorgeous! We highly recommend investing in the cut of a diamond. It’s the best decision you'll ever make when buying a solitaire. (And no one ever tells you this secret.) A beautifully cut diamond can enhance the colour and clarity over and above what it actually is: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor
We encourage using the brilliant round cut for investment objectives. The brilliant cut appreciates in value more quickly than any other cut.
Clarity
When light passes through a diamond, it bounces back or refracts, making the diamond light up! Most diamonds have imperfections in the form of spots and blemishes. The more the imperfections, the more difficult it is for light to pass through, thereby reducing the light refracted and therefore less sparkle. If we lost you here, then just remember that lower clarity equals more inclusions, and better clarity means fewer inclusions. If you’re buying a diamond that’s under a carat, don’t worry too much over the inclusions or blemishes because they are not visible to an untrained eye. Go for the better cut and continue to shine.
Colour
Ironically, the best colour for a diamond would be ‘colourless’. The colours range from D (colourless) all the way to Z (light yellow). To be honest, the colour difference in diamonds within a colour family is quite subtle to an untrained eye. Nevertheless, they do create a difference in the price and quality of the diamond. The bottom line is that colourless diamonds are the most precious! Colour is an integral part of buying a diamond, and it affects the price you pay for it. As diamond size increases, colour becomes more noticeable. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are purchasing a diamond of two carats or greater. If you pick a slightly yellow-coloured diamond, you can pair it with a white gold or platinum band. The white gold will complement the yellow hue of your diamond, and they won’t clash with each other!
Carat Weight
A carat is measured based on the weight of the diamond. Two diamonds of equal carat will have different prices, depending on the other 3 Cs you go with. It's quite simple, really. Your ideal carat depends on how big you want your stone and, obviously, your budget. Save a large amount by picking a 0.90-carat over a 1-carat diamond. Appearance is similar; you will be happy with this decision, trust us.
The 4Cs are the basic specifications, although cut polish and symmetry are also important elements in determining brilliance and price. These three less talked-about features have a tremendous impact on the diamond's brightness. Another aspect that influences a diamond's brilliance is the existence of fluorescence, which, if present, causes the diamond to appear milky or oily.
2) Look At Diamonds Under Different Lights
When selecting diamonds, it is important to evaluate how they appear in different lighting settings. While white spotlighting can increase a diamond's brightness and fire, it is not necessarily appropriate for normal lighting conditions. We recommend evaluating diamonds under typical lighting circumstances, such as natural outdoor light, diffused workplace lighting, or warm residential illumination. Fluorescent illumination emphasises brightness, but incandescent lighting highlights a diamond's fire. This consideration ensures a thorough evaluation of a diamond's quality and look.
3) Diamond & Supporting Metals for Necklace or Ring
White gold and platinum are the best options for diamonds graded from colourless to near-colourless because they enhance the diamond's colourlessness. The hue of the metal might reflect through the diamond, altering its look. For example, setting a colourless diamond in yellow prongs may cause it to appear more yellowish, but gold or rose gold settings might suit diamonds with lower colour grades or coloured gemstones.
If you prefer a colour of yellow or rose gold , consider setting the diamonds with white gold or platinum prongs or bezels. This way, the diamonds will appear more colourless, while you may still enjoy your favourite metal colour. Understanding how different metals interact with gemstones is essential when choosing the ideal piece of jewellery.
4) Diamond & Supporting Metals for Necklace or Ring
In jewellery, the setting serves two purposes: it secures the diamond and protects it from damage. Prong and bezel settings are two prominent types, each with their own set of advantages.
Prong
Prong settings use four to six prongs to keep the diamond in place. These prongs can have rounded or claw-like tops, giving them a traditional or modern appearance. Six prongs provide additional security and a rounded appearance, whereas four prongs may show more of the diamond's surface. This versatile setting is frequently used in solitaire and three-stone designs.
Bezel
Bezel settings, on the other hand, wrap a thin metal band around the diamond to provide total coverage. This offers a secure fit and protects the stone from all angles, making it excellent for diamonds with sharp corners. While the diamond may not be seen from the side, the absence of prongs minimises the possibility of snagging on gloves.
5) Consider Side Stones
Enhancing your engagement ring with side stones adds shine and gives the impression of a larger centrepiece. Three-stone settings, halos, and cluster settings are popular alternatives, with each providing distinct advantages.
- In a three-stone ring, each stone represents an important aspect of your relationship, such as friendship, love, or fidelity. Adding birthstones personalised this significant arrangement.
- Consider a halo setting, in which lesser diamonds surround the central stone and embellish the shank. Multiple halos can increase the shine and enlarge the appearance of the centrepiece.
- Cluster settings are an inexpensive technique to increase brilliance. By stacking smaller diamonds together, these settings provide the illusion of a larger, more dazzling centrepiece while allowing for distinct design variants.
When choosing side stones, look for diamonds with similar 4C grades to the central stone, especially in colour. This ensures a consistent appearance and smooth integration into your engagement ring design.
6) Look for Style & Trends
Explore your choices for diamond ring shapes and styles, such as vintage, modern, timeless, boho, or romantic. Understanding various motifs and historical periods will assist you in creating a distinctive and eye-catching ring.
Vintage-Inspired Rings: Motifs such as scrollwork, milgraining, and engraving capture the elegance of bygone ages. Explore Edwardian-style rings with rich workmanship and symbolism, such as the toi et moi ring, which represents togetherness and love.
Heart Rings: Heart-shaped diamonds, which have been used to symbolise love since mediaeval times, are a beautiful and unique option. Choose this timeless theme for a genuinely unique ring.
Bohemian Rings: For an edgy and romantic boho-chic vibe, try out unique gemstone forms, settings, and silhouettes, such as geometric diamond cuts and black diamonds.
Stacked Engagement and Wedding Rings: Think about how your diamond ring will complement a wedding band, and make sure the silhouettes fit. Stacking numerous rings is a fashionable trend that allows you to mix and match designs for a unique look.
Custom Rings: For a genuinely unique and significant ring, consider customisation. Collaborate with a jeweller to create a unique engagement ring that symbolises your relationship's important events and celebrates your love story.
7) Jewellery Certifications
When purchasing diamonds, insist on an independent lab certificate that confirms their natural origin and specifies their weight, purity, and features. Look for certifications that meet international standards and provide detailed information about the diamond's quality and provenance. Understanding what each report represents will help you make informed decisions when purchasing diamonds. In India, maintain an effortless and trustworthy shopping experience by acquiring the necessary certification and remaining aware of what to look for when buying diamonds.
8) Long-Term Maintenance
- Avoid wearing diamond jewellery during strenuous activities to prevent damage.
- Store diamonds separately to prevent scratching.
- Schedule professional cleaning every six months to keep diamonds safe and sparkling.
9) Retailer / Seller Reputation
When buying a diamond ring, it is important to select a reputable jeweller you can trust. Look for a jeweller with specialised expertise who is honest and willing to answer your queries in plain, uncomplicated terms. Choose jewellers who are well-accredited and can produce independent lab reports validating the diamond's natural origin, weight, clarity, and features. This ensures that your purchase is both transparent and reliable. When buying diamonds in India, definitely keep these things in mind.
Finally, purchasing a diamond is a substantial investment that must be carefully considered. By following our comprehensive diamond buying guide and suggestions, you can make informed decisions that will make your special event really unforgettable with a one-of-a-kind diamond or ring.
Understanding the 4Cs, evaluating side stones, and picking the appropriate setting are all important steps in selecting the perfect piece of jewellery. Remember to insist on certifications from renowned labs to ensure the diamond's quality and origin, and prioritise long-term maintenance to keep your diamonds shining for years to come. That's why our diamond quality guide or diamond purchase guide will help you make an informed decision. With these recommendations in mind, your diamond-buying purchase will be smooth, transparent, and fulfilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to consider when buying a diamond?
When buying a diamond or diamond ring, the first step is to understand the four Cs: colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. GIA developed these 4Cs, which serve as the international baseline for evaluating diamond quality, allowing you to make informed comparisons between different diamonds.
Which type of diamond is best to buy?
The flawless (FL) rating is the highest level of diamond clarity and the best to buy. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare, with no internal or exterior imperfections and remaining flawless even under high magnification.
What are the 4 C's of diamond buying?
Diamonds are graded according to the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
How do you pick the perfect diamond?
If you want the diamond to sparkle white, use the colour grades D, E, or F. These are brilliantly white. The round, brilliant cut is excellent for investment purposes. The dazzling cut increases in value more quickly than any other cut. The 4Cs are the main criteria, while cut polish and symmetry play key roles in determining brightness and price.