Thursday, September 12, 2013

Loose Diamonds 101: A Short Education

There’s enough to worry about when it comes to engagement rings, without fretting about knowing the differences between loose diamonds and Cubic Zirconia. So settle your focus on how to pop the question and use this helpful info to guide you through the wonderful world of fine jewelry.

To get to know loose diamonds, one must know their characteristics. The 4C's are the key to your big decision: carat, color, cut, and clarity. First, decide on your budget. Do you need something affordable or extravagant? If one carat is what you have in mind, then that’s a great starting point. However, buying a diamond that is slightly lower than a perfect carat might be more affordable and almost indistinguishable to the naked eye.

Now that you know the weight, make sure the diamond is as colorless as it can be. The clearer, the better. Although a completely colorless stone might come with a hefty price tag, so be warned! Often times, a slight tint of yellow in a diamond will produce a warmer vintage feel for a more affordable rate.

Next, look at the cut. The brighter the shine (also called the brilliance), the finer the stone. There is little point to buying the shiniest object on earth if it doesn't twinkle as you might have imagined. Don’t buy it if it doesn't dazzle in the light.

Finally, find out about the clarity. If you can see any flaws inside the stone, or inclusions, you’re looking at a lower quality diamond. Aim higher with an Fl to S12 grade. A dull stone is a warning that there are many flaws in the stone that could effect it's structural integrity!

Don’t forget to look for something that speaks to you. At the end of the day, it’s all about the connection.

No comments:

Post a Comment