How To Buy A Diamond
Introduction
Buying a diamond can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. At WRB, a New Zealand based jewellery manufacturer with over 40 years of experience, we understand the importance of making an informed decision when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential factors to consider, including the 4Cs of diamonds, various shapes, certifications, and how to go about making your purchase.
The 4Cs of Diamonds
Understanding the 4Cs of diamonds is crucial when selecting your perfect stone. These factors – cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight – have a significant impact on a diamond’s beauty and value.
1. Colour
Diamond colour refers to the degree of colourlessness in a diamond. Colour grades range from D (completely colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less colour a diamond has, the higher its grade and value. To learn more about the colours of a diamond, check out this educational video by GIA.
2. Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond. The fewer imperfections a diamond has, the better its clarity grade. Clarity grades range from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). To learn more about the aspect of clarity of diamonds, check out this video.
3. Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the stone. It is the most important of the 4Cs, as a well-cut diamond will exhibit maximum brilliance, fire, and scintillation. There are various grades for diamond cuts, including Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Ideal. To learn more about the cutting of diamonds check out this video.
4. Carat Weight
Carat weight measures the size of a diamond. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams or 0.007 ounces. Larger diamonds are rarer and generally more valuable. However, the overall beauty and value of a diamond are also influenced by the other three Cs. Learn more about the carat weight in diamonds here.
Diamond Shapes
While not one of the 4Cs, the shape of a diamond is an essential factor to consider. Each shape has its own unique attributes, affecting price and quality grades. Some popular diamond shapes include round, princess, cushion, emerald, and pear.
Diamond Certification
A diamond certification is an unbiased report that provides detailed information on a diamond’s 4Cs, as well as other characteristics such as polish, symmetry, and fluorescence. Reputable grading laboratories like GIA and AGSL issue these certificates, ensuring the diamond’s quality and value.
Evaluating Diamond Quality
Each of the individual 4Cs of diamonds may interact with one another to impact a stone’s overall appearance. For example, an ideal cut diamond may appear less brilliant if its colour rating is L or M. A well-cut stone may appear larger than a diamond of the same carat weight due to increased light reflection.
Interaction between the 4Cs
The 4Cs of diamonds do not work independently; they interact with each other to influence the overall beauty and value of the stone. Understanding how these factors relate to one another is crucial when selecting a diamond that suits your preferences and budget.
Grading Scales and Reports
Diamonds are evaluated based on standardized grading scales, ensuring that the quality of the stone is consistent across different grading laboratories. Each loose diamond should be accompanied by a grading report from a reputable lab like GIA or AGSL, providing an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s quality.
Fancy Shapes and The Four Cs of Diamonds
In addition to the popular round brilliant shape, there are various fancy-shaped diamonds that offer unique characteristics. These fancy-cut stones are still graded by their cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, but some Cs may be more forgiving for these shapes. For example, larges tables can make a fancy-shaped diamond appear larger, maximizing a lower carat weight. Inclusions that may be more noticeable in round diamonds be disguised or removed altogether in special cuts.
Colourful Diamonds
While diamond colour typically refers to the degree of colourlessness, some diamonds have intentional and prized hues, such as yellow, pink, green, blue, and brown. For these fancy colour diamonds, the focus is on the stone’s hue, intensity, overtones, and saturation. When shopping for coloured diamonds, the other Cs of cut, clarity, and carat weight are still important factors to consider.
How To Buy A Diamond
With numerous diamonds available, making a decision can feel daunting. However, by understanding the 4Cs, diamond quality, and how these factors influence diamond prices, the buying process can be simplified.
A. Learn About the Four Cs
Start by familiarizing yourself with the 4Cs of diamonds and how they impact a stone’s beauty and value. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when selecting your perfect diamond.
B. Set Your Budget
Determine a budget for your diamond purchase. This will help you focus on diamonds within your price range and make it easier to compare stones that meet your financial expectations.
C. Decide Which Cs are Most Important
Identify the Cs that are most important to you, keeping in mind that a balance between all four factors is essential for achieving the best value. Prioritizing certain Cs can help you find a diamond that aligns with your preferences while staying within your budget.
D. Pick a Trustworthy Jeweller
Choose a reputable and trustworthy jeweller who offers a wide selection of certified diamonds, transparent pricing, and excellent customer service. WRB’s 40 years of experience in the industry makes us a reliable choice for your diamond purchase.
E. Find Your Fit
Once you have a clear understanding of the 4Cs, your budget, and your priorities, work with your chosen jeweller to find the perfect diamond that meets your criteria and fits your desired setting.
WRB’s Commitment to Quality and Ethics
A. Price Match Guarantee
At WRB, if you find a comparable GIA-graded diamond at a lower price, we’ll review the information and work to match the price, ensuring you receive the best value for your investment.
B. Diamond Upgrade Program
We offer a lifetime diamond upgrade program on all GIA and AGSL-graded diamonds, providing you with the opportunity to upgrade your diamond as your preferences or budget evolve over time.
C. Conflict-Free Diamonds
WRB is committed to ethical sourcing and has a zero-tolerance policy for conflict diamonds. We ensure that our diamonds are sourced from legitimate sources that adhere to the Kimberley Process and other international regulations, promoting responsible mining practices and sustainable development.
Conclusion
Buying a diamond is a significant investment, and understanding the key factors that influence a diamond’s beauty and value is crucial to making an informed decision. By familiarizing yourself with the 4Cs, considering different shapes and certifications, and working with a reputable jeweller like WRB, you can confidently navigate the diamond buying process and find the perfect stone to cherish for a lifetime.
