Diamond Purchasing 101

Courtesy The Diamond Shop

Choosing the perfect ring can seem overwhelming for you and your significant other. Let us break it down so that you can be sure to ask the right questions, choose the ring of your dreams and feel confident that you made the right choice.

First things first, a diamond is graded according to the “4 C’s” – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. The 4C’s can help you to understand the unique characteristics and pricing of each stone.

#1 - Cut defines the way the stone is faceted to bring out the natural beauty of the diamond. If a diamond is not cut at the correct angles, the light leaks out through the back of the stone. You want a diamond to give back every bit of light that it takes in. A diamonds cut is considered to be the most important metric of the 4C’s.

#2 - Color refers to the body color of the diamond. A colorless stone is one of the most sought after of all diamonds. The less color, the higher the grade. Color is graded at D for colorless and runs all the way to Z for diamonds that have a fancy color such as bright yellow, pink or even red.

#3 - Clarity is determined by what type of inclusion is inside or outside the diamond. This is judged by a trained professional using 10x magnification. Flawless represents a stone that is without any form of inclusion and causes an increase in price. A stone that is graded SI or I is a diamond with obvious inclusions that can easily be seen by the gemologist and is much more common. Most diamonds contain very tiny natural inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond.

#4 – Carat weight is the actual weight of the diamond. It is a natural fact that the larger the diamond, the rarer it is. Rarity is what sets a diamond apart from all the other diamonds in the world today.

If you meet with a jeweler that is not willing to discuss what you’re buying through the 4 C’s, you can calmly walk (OR RUN!) away, knowing that you’re making a good decision.

Bonus “C” – Coverage can ease your mind before, during and after the buying process. If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on the perfect ring, make sure to ask about insuring it! A standalone jewelry policy can cover the value of the piece whether it’s lost, stolen, or damaged. Couple an insurance policy with The

Diamond Shop’s Permanent Diamond Value on every center stone and you’re covered for a lifetime. What that means is that your stone never loses its value. The amount you pay is the amount you receive towards your next purchase when it’s time to upgrade.

While everyone has different preferences and there is no “right answer” as to how a diamond should look, asking the right questions can help ease anxiety during the buying process. The Diamond Shop has been in the business for 97 years and counting. Our entire staff is trained, professional and here to answer any questions you have regarding choosing, purchasing and caring for the perfect diamond!