Buying the best diamond engagement and wedding ring sets is a very confusing process due to the number of options available and the number of factors that you need to consider. Therefore, you need to have a clear plan before you set out to buy a diamond. Below are a few things that you need to look for when you decide to buy a diamond.
The Carat Weight Range
This is surely one of the basic questions, which you will have to answer before you buy a diamond. In addition, it is the attribute, which will have the highest impact on the price of the diamond. Hence, you need to have a clear idea about the diamond size you are looking for.
The best way to plan this is to know the likes of your partner. Although everyone likes a big rock, it is good to know her minimum expectation to start with. You can then go ahead and look for similarly sized diamonds. This will help to narrow down your search and find the best diamonds within that range.
The Preferred Diamond Shape
Be clear about the shape of the diamond ring that you are looking for. This is the second most important question you need answered. It will determine the direction of your search for the perfect diamond.
For this, knowing the taste of your partner is the best way to go ahead with the purchase. Of course, you do not want to disappoint her with something dull. If you are unable to figure out her favorite shape, choose a round brilliant diamond. It is the most preferred diamond shape today, and holds a great value traditionally.
The Price Factor
While choosing diamonds, make sure you give yourself enough time so that you can return it if you are not pleased with it. Moreover, remember that the round diamond wedding sets are the most popular as well as the most expensive. Besides, if you decide to pick a fancy colored stone, this factor will also add to the price.
Have a pre-set budget in mind when you are to shop for diamonds. This will not only help you to concentrate on the available varieties and options in that price range and make sure that you do not go overboard with the purchase, but also avoid unnecessary confusions.
The Cut Quality
Once you have decided the color and shape of the diamond you want to buy, you come to choosing the cut quality. This is also an important factor, as far as the pricing of the diamond is concerned. However, it is a bit tricky choosing a cut quality since this attribute is not standardized across all diamond vendors.
Certain vendors offer cut quality based on independent bodies that determine the cut quality. Some diamond vendors even disregard the certification provided by the authorities regarding the quality of fancy shapes or round shape. They prefer to use their own analysis of cut grade by taking their own diamond measurements. Therefore, it is advised to take the expert opinion before finalizing the cut of the diamond.
The best option to choose, if you are looking for a round brilliant diamond, is “Ideal/Excellent” cut diamonds. If you want to have a fancy shape diamond, it might be a better option to buy “Premium” cut diamonds.
The Ideal Color Grade
Color grade of a diamond is a crucial factor not just in the appearance, but also in the price of the diamond. Note that different shapes display different colors at varying intensities. Therefore, choose the diamond color grade and shape of the diamond in such a way that its appearance and price are also brought under your limits.
You can also go for a fancy colored stone like pink or blue to add to the charm and romantic appeal of the diamond. Yet again, remember that it will raise the costs.
The Optimal Clarity
The clarity of a diamond also has an impact on its pricing. Clarity is determined by the presence of inclusions. As long as the inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, low clarity diamonds will not be a bad choice at all. Remember that you can choose the higher clarity diamonds, but they will not offer anything more in return. Even a low grade diamond may look similar to a higher clarity diamond to the untrained eye.
Examining the clarity of diamonds requires you to examine them independently. This means you have to be physically present. However, this is impossible with online diamond dealers. Worry not, this hurdle has also been overcome by making use of technology. Several prominent vendors provide a “Virtual Loupe” or 40x magnification option, which allows you to examine the diamond you are about to buy from the comforts of your homes.
The Symmetry, Polish, and Fluorescence
These factors do affect the diamond’s quality. However, they do not deserve more importance than the abovementioned attributes. Just ensure that the diamond looks pleasing to the naked eye, and everything else will fall right into place.