When out to shop for diamonds, one can feel the rush of getting the best as well as the grueling task of getting it. If one is in the market for the best engagement rings or if one is just in the market for any piece of jewelry the basics of diamonds are important. Jewelry Shopping Guide For Ladies Explaining The Four C’s Of Diamonds And How To Choose The Correct Setting
Understanding the 4Cs
The first step in shopping for diamonds is understanding the 4Cs: Four factors which are known as the Four C’s namely; Carat, Cut, Color and Clarity. These four attributes define diamonds’ quality and price.
Carat
Carat means the size or the weight of the diamond. It should be pointed out that one carat equals 200 milligrams for gold. ” However, it has to be mentioned that carat weight only defines the size of the diamond; it should also be noted that two diamonds can differ in their price simply because they have the same carat weight, but they are cut, colored, or clear differently.
Cut
Of the 4 Cs or the characteristics of a diamond, the cut is considered to be the most important. It prescribes how much light the diamond is capable of returning to the viewer, which is the diamond’s brilliance and fire. It means that a diamond which has been cut to good standards will seem to be more brilliant than a diamond of the same carat weight and clarity which has been cut poorly. The four basic shapes that are widely in use are round, princess, emerald, and cushion.
Color
Natural diamonds can be colorless, yellow, or even brown all the way to intense shades of yellow. The current scale represents the density of crystals ranging from D that is colorless to Z that may have light yellowing or brownish tint. Natural, white diamonds, devoid of any color, are considered the best; thus, they are also the most costly.
Clarity
Clarity quantifies imperfections from within the gemstone which are referred to as inclusions and external blemishes on the diamond. The clarity scale from Flawless (none of the inclusions and blemish cannot be seen under ten times magnification) though the Included scale (the inclusions and or blemish can be observed by naked eyes). There are two clarity grades that are much used – SI diamonds and VS1 diamonds
Clarity Grades: SI and VS1 Diamonds
As for the decision making process, it is useful to look at the clarification grades in order to make a proper selection and get the best deal.
SI Diamonds
Including ‘Slightly Included’, or SI diamonds contain inclusions that can be easily seen with a loupe or other 10X lens, yet not easily seen with the naked eye. These diamonds are perfect for people who want to buy diamonds of a good quality, but at the same time desiring to spend less. SI diamonds can be the best bet for those buyers who are not willing to spend too much while deeming the appearance of the stone important.
VS1 Diamonds
VS1 refers to “Very Slightly Included. ” These diamonds have inclusions that cannot easily be distinguished even if one turns the stone to a 10x magnification lens. These inclusions are often microscopic and thus, are negligible to the patterns and beauty of the diamond. VS1 diamonds cost more than SI diamonds for they are more clarified and are very good for persons who wish to seek for quality diamonds.
Choosing the Perfect Diamond
Understanding the 4Cs and a basic distinction between SI and VS1 diamonds will help you to find a perfect diamond for yourself.
Setting a Budget
Always set the amount of money you are willing to spend before heading out to shop. Diamonds are available at different prices; therefore, deciding on the price of the gemstone will reduce the available options significantly. This is especially important to note that in order to achieve the greatest value, one has to take into consideration the proportions of the four Cs within the set budget.
Selecting the Shape
A diamond shape is more of a personal choice or decision that one has to make. The current trend for engagement rings is choosing a ring with the round brilliant cut as the diamond’s shape ensures the maximal amount of sparkle. Other commonly used Cuts are Princess Cut, Oval Cut, Emerald Cut and Pear Cut. Every shape is different, and they all have their own strengths and their own beauty.
Considering the Setting
There is a lot that goes into the setting of a diamond ring as it determines the full look of the ring. Some of the popular cuts are solitaire, halo, three-stone, and pave. The setting should also give support to the diamond and make the diamond look even more beautiful. For instance, the halo setting can give the appearance of a bigger diamond than it actually is, the solitaire setting provides the best view of the diamond.
Finding the Best Engagement Rings
Thus, if you are still searching for the best engagement rings, you should consider the tastes of the person who will wear that ring. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect ring:Here are some tips to help you find the perfect ring:
Know Their Style
This means that one has to pay close attention to the existing style of jewelry that the lady currently wears. Are they more inclined on some retro designs or they are more into antiques or contemporary or postmodern designs? Understanding the style they prefer will ensure that you get a ring that they will appreciate and make a great use of.
Choose the Right Metal
Available engagement ring materials comprise; white gold, gold, rose gold, and platinum. Every metal is different and has its own qualities or at least it appeals to different people in different ways. Platinum is extremely hard wearing and non-irritating to skin, while rose gold has a distinctive and rather feminine character.
Customization
This is in cases where the buyer would wish to set their own bill sizes into the ring and make it more special. A majority of jewelers have an order catalog or allow you to select the diamond, the setting of the diamond, and the metal to use in making the ring.
Tips for a Successful Diamond Purchase
To ensure a successful diamond purchase, keep the following tips in mind:To ensure a successful diamond purchase, keep the following tips in mind:
Do Your Research
Be knowledgeable of diamonds before buying one. This article tried to explain the 4Cs, clarity grading, and diamond shapes, so that the consumer could make the right decision.
Buy from Reputable Jewelers
Select jewelers that can be recommended by other people and who passed appropriate examinations. Be on the lookout for grading from reputable institutions such as gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). When it comes to certified diamonds, one receives an extensive report that helps to authenticate the quality of each diamond.
Inspect the Diamond
The best thing that one can always do is to always examine the diamond directly. Seeing the diamond under different lighting conditions will help in getting an understanding of how bright the diamond looks when actually worn. Buying online is another method and makes sure that the seller avails images and videos of the diamond.
Get a Second Opinion
In case you have some questions concerning a diamond, it is always possible to address a third party, who is an independent gemologist. They can offer an impartial opinion or the quality as well as the worth of the specific diamond.
Consider Insurance
Jewelry, and especially diamonds, are considered assets and it is wise to protect your investment. Insurance may help to escape the fines, losses or even thefts, and also can help to minimize the harm WB can get.
Conclusion
Diamond buying is decisive and should therefore be well done. Thus, knowing the 4Cs, choosing the correct clarity grade, and thinking about the tastes of the person who is going to wear the ring, one can select a suitable diamond. This guide can help you develop a criteria for the best engagement rings, SI diamonds or VS1 diamonds and so assist you to that special purchase you are looking forward to. Happy diamond shopping!
