Top 3 Things To Look For In A Diamond

Whether you’re in the market for high quality diamond earrings or a classic engagement ring, buying diamonds is exciting but can seem daunting at first. If you’re unfamiliar with what to look for in a diamond, the purchase process can seem a little disorienting given the plethora of choices on the market today. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way! Keeping a few key metrics in mind can help you easily find the right diamond for you.

1. Check Out the Four Cs

Perhaps the best-known metric for rating diamonds is what’s known as the Four Cs, which stands for cut, color, clarity and carat. The cut helps the diamond look clean, crisp and sparkly, so a better cut will improve the diamond’s overall look. The color is linked to the diamond’s grade, and in general, the less color the diamond has, the higher its grade. Clarity can make a difference in how the diamond looks, too, but keep in mind that some imperfections are too small to see with the naked eye, so a few small imperfections could help lower your diamond’s price tag without affecting its look. Finally, carat refers to the diamond’s total weight. While higher carats are often stereotypically associated with big, sparkly rocks, a quality cut can work wonders for a lower-carat rock.

2. Look for Gemological Institute of America Certification

One simple way to check the quality of your diamond is to look for a diamond grading certificate or report from a relevant institution like the Gemological Institution of America, or GIA. These reports can confirm the diamond’s exact characteristics and assure you of its quality. Each GIA-checked diamond you purchase should come with a certificate of authenticity and a pamphlet laying out the diamond’s ratings.

3. Ensure It’s Conflict-Free

Finally, it’s important to take ethical matters into consideration when looking to purchase a diamond. In order to avoid accidentally buying a diamond that was sourced from a war zone or through unethical activity, look for conflict-free diamonds with verified, legitimate sources. Ask your jeweler about the diamond’s history and supplier.

Buying your first diamond is exciting, but can seem a little daunting if you’re not sure what to look for. Thankfully, being prepared ahead of time can help simplify the process. Keep these three factors in mind and you can look forward to finding the perfect diamond for your individual wants and needs.