Modern Wedding

For many women, the first diamond they will ever own will be their engagement ring. For the majority of men, the first diamond they will ever shop for will be for an engagement ring. Whether you are picking out the ring together, or are hunting for a ring in secret, knowing the facts is important. If you have little experience regarding diamonds and diamond jewelry, it can be intimidating at the start. Many are unaware of just how many factors influence the price and quality of a diamond. Not all diamonds are created equally, and finding the right diamond for you will depend on several aspects. Here is a quick overview for anyone shopping for diamonds, whether it’s for the engagement ring, the wedding band, an anniversary ring or just a gift.

Shape: Easily the first factor you’ll consider when shopping for a diamond, the shape of the stone is often the most important part for the buyer. While everyone has their own preference, some stones are more popular than others for various reasons. For example, the round shape comes in various cuts, all offering the most optimal light refraction, which is where the diamond will get it’s “sparkle”. Traditional shapes include princess, cushion, emerald and more; while fancy shapes can include hearts, pears, marquise among others.

Quality: The quality of diamonds is determined by a few key factors. These are often categorized into “The Four Cs”, referring to the Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. These are easily the most important factors to consider when browsing for diamonds, as they will directly influence the price, and overall value of the stone. First, the Color ranges from colorless to fancy yellow, and is graded by letters, from D to Y, respectively. The next is Clarity, which is categorized from Internally Flawless to Included or Imperfect. The more inclusions there are, the more it is visible to the naked eye. Then there is the Cut, which can range from anything from Good to Ideal. The last being Carat weight, which will refer to just how large the diamond is. These three factors will vary by stone, and depending on your personal taste, some can be more important, while you may be willing to sacrifice on others. For example, some choose to sacrifice clarity to have a larger carat weight. For more detailed information regarding these specific guidelines, how they influence the look and value of the stone, and more, visit truth about diamonds.

Origin: With such controversy surrounding diamond mining in countries such as Africa, many people are being more careful about where they purchase their diamonds. Knowing the origin of the diamond can ensure you are purchasing conflict free. Legitimate diamond sellers will always divulge the origin of the diamond in the accompanying certificate.

Seller: With so many jewelers and diamond sellers out there, it’s difficult to know where to buy from. Doing your research online can help you make this decision. Evaluate your options based on customer reviews, customer service, pricing, and all the other factors you would consider when making any substantial purchase. Reading up on even the largest jewelers is important, such as by checking a James Allen review, to be sure you are familiar with the seller before making a decision.