Buying a diamond can be a wise investment or a worthwhile one, if you prefer to have something to show off to friends. A diamond is a complex purchase, and it can be very worthwhile to look into the various aspects of a diamond and weigh the most important elements that determine the cost.
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This gives you a good starting point when you are on a search for a diamond. Keep in mind, however, that working with a professional may get you the best price for a diamond that really fits the quality you were planning to find. A professional has a better idea of what to look for with the naked eye, and he can examine the other factors for you as well.
Cut
This factor has the greatest impact on the diamond’s sparkle. If you happen to be looking for a bright and eye-catching diamond, the best approach is to get a diamond with the highest cut grade. The cut grade is a measure of the diamond’s light performance.
Color
Diamonds present with a yellow hue. However, near-colorless diamonds get grades G through H and colorless diamonds get grades D through F. These categories have natural color that is not visible to the human eye. Getting a near-colorless diamond can provide the quality you desire at a price that is more friendly to your financial situation.
Clarity
Clarity in a diamond is the number of inclusions. These are tiny imperfections that aren’t visible when looking at the diamond with the naked eye. Instead, a professional has to evaluate the gem to determine its grade of clarity. A level of SI, or slight inclusions, is a worthwhile investment at a more manageable price. If you choose to work with professionals, the diamond advisors help you buy rings that look great and are going to fit your budget.
Carat
This element of a diamond is the actual weight of the gem. This can be confusing to those looking to purchase a new diamond. Keep in mind that with the right research, you can find a diamond with a lower carat weight that actually looks higher quality if other factors are higher.
When it comes to price, you can also get the look you desire with a slightly lower carat weight. A carat weight of 3.0 will give the same look as a diamond with a carat weight of 3.1 or 3.2, but the lower carat weight means a lower price tag.
Shape and Other Considerations
The shape of the diamond can factor into the cost in a significant way. Round diamonds are the most traditional shape, while the other shapes are considered fancy shapes. These can be any of the following: Princess, Emerald, Marquise, Oval, Radiant, Pear, Heart, or Cushion.
Round diamonds have been popular for a century, while Princess cut is the second-favorite option and the most popular for those who want something other than a round cut.
Certification is another factor that is important when considering a diamond purchase. A diamond certificate is a report that provides a document of diamond quality, a report on diamond grading and a diamond dossier.