Choosing the Right Diamond

If you’re looking to buy a diamond, either loose or set in a beautifully-crafted mounting, you’re probably wondering how to select the right one. Let our 5-step guide help you find a diamond that will give you the most sparkle for your buck. Let’s get started...

Choose and Buy Diamond Rings

Step 1. Choose Your Diamond Shape.

The ‘shape’ of a diamond refers to its silhouette and, of course, plays a significant part in the overall appearance of a diamond. Choose a diamond shape depending on your preferences. If you’re after something contemporary, consider a Princess, an Emerald, or an Oval Cut. If you want a diamond with a classic or vintage flair, we suggest choosing a Round Brilliant, Cushion, or Marquise. And if you want something truly special, a Heart or a Pear-shaped Diamond could be the shape for you.

Step 2. Select Your Carat Weight.

The first of the famed 4 C’s, carat, is what determines the size of the diamond. Remember that a larger size (higher carat) doesn’t necessarily mean a higher quality diamond. So, when selecting a diamond, focus on the balance of the 4 C’s instead of buying the biggest. This will save a considerable amount of money and the slight difference will never be noticed.

Step 3. Narrow Down on Cut Quality.

The cut is possibly the most important of the 4 C’s. It refers to how well-proportioned the dimensions of a diamond are and how its surfaces are positioned to produce the most brilliance. In other words, the cut has an enormous influence on a diamond’s beauty and sparkle. So, when determining what diamond cut to buy, go with the best cut grade that you can afford.

Step 4. Determine Color Grade Range

Diamond color is measured using the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale, which goes from D-Z. While D-F is colorless, you can go with a beautiful near-colorless grade (G-J) to make the most of your budget. The remaining colors of K-Z range from faint yellow to light yellow.

Step 5. Select Clarity Grade.

Diamond clarity is the assessment of small imperfections on the surface (blemishes) and within the stone (inclusions). It’s measured using a scale which goes from grade FL & IF (internally flawless) to VVS1 & VVS2 (inclusions invisible to the naked eye) to VS1 & VS2 (very slightly included) and then SI1-SI2 (slightly included). VS1-VS2 and SI1-SI2 are both a good place to start your search to maximize your budget because inclusions will not be readily noticeable without magnification. At the end of the spectrum is I1-I2-I3, which means there are visible inclusions.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your ideal diamond specs, it’ll be easier to decide which one to choose. However, if you’re still unsure, please contact us for some more advice. We’ll be happy to share our expert knowledge and offer you a large selection of diamonds to choose from.

Inquiry For Choosing a Diamond

Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you with a quote as soon as possible. Need help? Speak with a Diamond Jewelry Experts at 972-980-8700.