Buying Diamonds
The value of a diamond is determined by its exact quality as defined by the 4C's: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat-Weight. It is the sparkle or brilliance that gives a diamond its unique quality. Many people become overwhelmed when they start searching for a diamond. It seems that the fear of either buying a diamond that is not a very good quality or paying too much can cause people to go on a quest to become a diamond expert overnight. Getting knowledge and learning about diamonds and the 4C's - Cut, Colour, Clarity & Carat Weight - is a big first step towards buying the right diamond.
Diamond Buying Guide
Before you start diamond shopping, it is best to have an understanding of what you are buying. The best way to purchase a fine high quality diamond with confidence is:
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Gain a basic understanding of the qualities of a fine diamond. Our diamond Education section has information on The 4C's — cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. These are the criteria that diamonds are graded and valued upon. |
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Set a personal budget. This will dictate a lot of the parameters for the diamond you are searching for and obtain a realistic idea of what diamonds cost. A cheap price does not mean the diamond is a good buy. There is always a reason why one diamond may be more expensive than another; so you should avoid judging the quality and value of a diamond based alone on its price. |
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Decide on the diamond specifications. First you should decide on the shape of diamond you prefer. Then decide on diamond size or carat weight, the diamond colour, diamond clarity and diamond cut quality. The clarity grade of a diamond is the major factor that increase the price of a diamond and it is why diamonds with a clairty grade of Flawless and VVS are rarer and command a far higher price than diamonds with an SI or slightly included clarity grade. |
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Insist on a Diamond Certificate with any diamond you purchase from an independent internationally accredited diamond laboratory - DCLA, GIA, HRD or AGS. A diamond certificate or diamond grading report documents the specifications of a diamond's carat weight, colour, clarity, technical measurements & quality of cut which are verified by an independent laboratory with no conflict of interest between buyer and seller. |
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Search for the best quality diamond at an affordable price according to your diamond preferences - Diamond Shape, Carat weight, Colour, Clarity & Cut Quality. |
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Make sure the diamond is in stock. Has the jeweller or diamond dealer actually viewed and inspected the diamond? Or are they just attempting to sell the diamond purely by certificate specifications alone? Are they able to offer any further advice or information on the diamond? How can they describe the diamond 's face up appearance and beauty if it is not in stock? |
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View the diamond in person where possible. Compare the quality of the diamond next to other diamonds before you purchase. Cut is the only factor that man can control. Cut refers not only to the shape and style of the diamond, but its proportions, symmetry, and finish or “make”. Cut determines the brilliance and fire of the diamond and is actually one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing your diamond. |
