Diamonds are the epitome of luxury and grandeur. These alluring gems exude finesse and bring a dose of sophistication whether you wear them daily or for special occasions. From those seeking to buy the perfect engagement ring for their loved ones to others buying diamonds for themselves to mark a momentous occasion, the market is always thriving with people looking for the ideal piece of jewelry.
Although diamonds are popular, only some people have the confidence to walk into a jewelry store and know what they’re buying. Diamonds are not inexpensive, so if you want to invest in a timeless piece, it is essential to know about this alluring gem and become familiar with insider terminology. This way, you can buy a diamond that reflects your budget, taste, and morals. The following are the top tips to remember when buying diamond jewelry.
- Establish a Budget
The first thing you must do as a diamond jewelry buyer is to determine your budget. Your eyes will land on all sorts of pieces once you enter a jewelry store, so you must know how much you can afford to find the balance between quality and price. Most people can afford tiny stones, often less than 1 carat. Small natural diamonds do not have a diamond grading report specifying the 4 Cs.
Jewelers stress the importance of the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat. They explain how diamonds should come with a grading report from a reputable laboratory. The report indicates the quality of the stone. Make sure the carat on the report is precisely the number the jeweler says it is. The other three Cs are:
- Cut is the most important of the four because the correct cut will hide the diamond’s imperfections and make it look brighter and bigger.
- Color and clarity are less important than the cut but noteworthy, nevertheless. For color, the important thing is for the diamond to be colorless or the color you want it to be, such as pink.
- When looking for clarity, the note here is to be sure that the diamond looks flawless when you look at it without a magnifier.
If you are buying a diamond with less than 1 carat and no grading report, experts recommend looking at the diamond under magnification. Natural diamonds will bear imperfections, including cloud-like shapes, tiny black spots, crystals, and fluids. Although they are imperfections, these inclusions are characteristic of natural diamonds, making the diamond beautiful.
- Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive (around 30 percent) than natural ones for an apparent reason. Natural diamonds require thousands of hours of labor to find and turn into beautiful gems. Although you will find both types of diamonds on the market, choosing one is up to you and your moral standing. The industry of natural diamonds is surrounded by controversy due to the poor working conditions of the laborers.
Furthermore, the industry could be more sustainable due to the diesel-run machinery used to mine for diamonds and the massive amounts of earth, water, and energy used. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are more sustainable and as durable as natural diamonds. The only difference between the two is that lab-grown diamonds are artificial, while the other diamonds are natural.
The best way to purchase the right diamond is to ask the jeweler to provide proof of the diamond’s origin. You can also ask the jeweler for evidence that the provider sourced the diamond responsibly.
- Consider Buying Estate Jewelry
While lab-grown or natural diamonds are viable options, you can also choose to invest in estate jewelry. The latter comes with a dose of history, and if you are obsessed with a particular era, you could find a remarkable piece that reflects its origin in history. When buying estate diamond jewelry, asking for a diamond grading report as you would when buying new diamonds is essential.
If this is not an option, you could also get the piece appraised to ensure that what you are buying is authentic. Generally, the value of estate jewelry depends more on its artistry and history than on the size of the diamond.
- Determine Where and When the Diamond Will Be Worn
Although diamonds are durable, we must treat them carefully to ensure their long-lasting quality. Before buying the diamond, tell your jeweler where and when you plan to wear the diamond. If you plan to wear the gem for special occasions, you can opt for a more delicate piece.
However, if you know that you will wear the engagement ring daily, including washing the dishes and working out, let your jewelers know so they can set the stone to be more durable for long-term wear. Seasoned jewelers have a set of techniques to ensure the diamond sits well even during demanding tasks like a garden, kneading dough, and other daily work.
- Figure Out The Design and Aesthetic
The great advantage of living in a technologically fuelled world is witnessing the work of brilliant jewelers worldwide. While your local jewelry may have beautiful designs, you may be looking for something that speaks to your style. A little research will bring you endless lists of reputable jewelers online that sell stunning diamond pieces.
For a truly unique and eye-catching piece, seek jewelers who studied the art of jewelry making before establishing their business. Insiders explain how classically trained jewelers are masters in their craft, and they are the ones who design jewelry that is timeless and unique. These professionals have top-notch skills and will develop unique designs.
Conclusion
For most of us, buying a diamond piece is not something that happens every day, so it is an exciting time, but it does not mean you should throw caution to the wind. Conducting research and following the former points is how you can ensure a positive experience when purchasing your valuable piece so you or the person wearing it can enjoy it for years.
