-
Step 1
Take the time to learn and understand the four C’s of diamonds so you are an informed diamond shopper.
-
Step 2
Study the cuts of the diamonds you are considering. The different cuts determine each diamond's shape and brilliance.
-
Step 3
Assess the color of the diamonds, knowing that generally the clearer the color of the stone, the more valuable it will be. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) created a worldwide diamond color scale with colors ranging from D to Z, with D being a colorless diamond. The scale continues for fancy-colored diamonds. Fancy diamonds are stones with rich deep color and are very valuable. Pink and red diamonds are the rarest and most expensive.
-
Step 4
Focus on the clarity of the diamonds. Check for any inclusions, which are imperfections or blemishes in the diamond. The value of a diamond drops approximately 10 percent with each lower clarity grade. For an excellent clarity guide, visit the Diamonds and Engagement Rings website (see Resources below).
-
Step 5
Know that carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its size. A diamond may appear larger if it has a shallow cut but be less valuable than a smaller stone of a higher carat.










Comments
JohnB5 said
on 2/3/2009 I'm about to purchase my most important valentine's gift ever and I have been doing my research on dimaond rings. The GIA website has a great tutorial on the 4 C's (www.gia.edu). GIA is the ultimate authority on gemology and they are more driven by scientific validity than commercial interest.