How to buy a Diamond Based on Light Performance

Light performance is a term used to describe the way a diamond looks based on how it refracts light. In layman's terms, this means that the diamond looks good from every possible direction, rather that just one angle. When you buy a diamond, you should look at the light performance first.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Diamonds
• Visual scope

1. Look at a variety of diamonds before you buy anything. Look at any diamonds you can find from your aunt's favorite earrings to your mother's engagement ring. Notice how the diamond appears from different angles and how it reflects the light.
2. Visit all the stores in your area that sell diamonds and ask if they have information on the light performance. Some stores may offer this information on only select diamonds, while others have it available for all.
3. Ask one of those sellers more information about light performance and if they can show you how to test diamonds for yourself. Most sellers will gladly offer this service if it means you might make a purchase from their store.
4. Read the verification report that comes with diamonds of a certain quality. This report details all the information about the cut and clarity of the diamond, as well as the light performance.
5. Hold a visual scope in one hand and use it to see the way the diamond reflects the light. You can look through the scope and hold the diamond up to the light to see the way it move and refracts the light. A good quality diamond will absorb the light, while a poor diamond will bounce the light back off.
6. Examine the diamond for yourself and observe the way it looks in a bright or harsh light. A better diamond will simply look better in the light than one with a low light performance.
7. Buy the best diamond with the highest light performance that you can afford. While you might not be able to afford a perfect diamond, one with a better light performance will look better than one with a low performance.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you know what light performance is before you start talking to sellers. Some sellers might try to say that it isn't important or that another feature is more important when it actually isn't.