Step1
Decide how much you can spend. If you are buying an engagement ring, the general rule is two months' salary, but the sky's the limit if you're in pursuit of the perfect stone.
Step2
Choose the shape of diamond you prefer. Although the round--or brilliant--cut is most popular, diamonds come in many cuts, including oval, square or even heart-shaped.
Step3
Inspect the diamond's clarity (the degree of transparency). A "flawless" diamond, free from all inclusions or blemishes, is very rare. Other diamonds are rated on a clarity scale that grades diamonds from "flawless" to "obvious inclusions." The higher the diamond's rating on this scale, the greater its value.
Step4
Examine the diamond's color. Although you may not generally think of diamonds as having color, some have a yellow, gray or brown cast. Pure, colorless diamonds are at the top of the color scale. Diamonds are also available in "fancy" colors such as red, blue or purple. These diamonds are rare and more expensive than the normal clear to yellow variety.
Step5
Examine the diamond's cut, which is crucial to the brilliance of the stone and a major factor in its value. A well-cut diamond reflects and disperses light in beautiful ways, thanks to qualities such as symmetry and depth (the bottom of the diamond shouldn't be too shallow or too deep). Diamonds are graded according to the cut quality, and this grade should carry a great deal of weight in your decision.
Step6
Determine the weight, which is measured in carats. The greater the carat weight, the more valuable the diamond. Keep in mind that since larger stones are more rare, two 1/2-carat diamonds are less expensive than a single 1-carat diamond.
Step7
Compare several diamonds side by side and get a good idea of what you can find in your price range. No two diamonds are alike, so examine all of them carefully for their unique qualities.
Step8
Make your final decision based on which diamond offers the best combination of the four C's: clarity, color, cut and carat. Ignore any of these attributes, and you jeopardize your chances of getting the best diamond for your money.
Buy a Diamond
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 There are various diamond discussion forums on the net, and there are printed books from which you can learn a great deal about diamonds.
But the most important step is to look at lots of stones.
Give yourself a lot of time to learn about the factors that affect the appearance (and value) of diamonds, and develop a knack for seeing the difference between excellent, decent, and poor diamonds.
After you have developed your knowledge about diamonds, you will find that some of the sales people in high-end stores (like Tiffany's) will be glad to talk to you at length and further your education (if they're not busy with customers -- just be considerate and tell them you're trying to learn).
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 A large diamond will look silly on a petite finger.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Find a jeweler you trust. They can explain the four C's and why sugar is not the best way to check the color of a diamond and that 4 prongs are just as safe as 6 prongs because they are heavier prongs. I've been selling jewelry long enough to know.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I've heard that the best way to determine any flaws in the cut of the diamond is with a glass of water. If you drop a "perfect" diamond into a glass of water, it should disappear. If it's not cut "perfectly" you'll see the diamond in the water.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I heard somewhere to bring a packet of sugar with you and compare the color that way. Sugar is almost perfectly white and will enhance a diamond's yellowness.