6 Handy Tips on Buying the Right Diamonds

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Believe it a not; there are jewelers who are unable to differentiate a diamond cut from a diamond shape. Everyone is so hyped up about the carat weight and has totally forgotten about the other 3 characteristics of a diamond. It won’t take you years or months to learn something about diamond. There are plenty of articles and information on the 4C of a diamond. Spend some useful time in the library or internet and learn about diamonds. Who knows, you may become an expert in diamonds. 1. Prioritize the 4 characteristics There are much more about diamonds than just the 4Cs. But at the end of the day, the 4Cs are still the major factors influencing the quality and price of a diamond. Before you start prioritizing the 4Cs, you got to know what your girl actually likes about a diamond. If she like big one, go for a diamond with big carat weight but with poorer quality in terms of color, cut or clarity. If she likes the brilliance of a diamond and doesn’t mind the size, choose one with excellent cut and clarity. Whichever the case is, prioritizing the 4Cs will give you a better idea of what diamonds will suit her taste as well as your budget. 2. Do a price research Based on your list, you should have a rough estimate of the market price of the diamond you are looking for. If the price is out of your budget, try going for a grade lower than your expectation and you may eventually find one that suits you well. 3. Do some background research on the jewelry stores If you have been doing researching, you would have come across information on cubic zirconium diamonds. These synthetic diamonds are D-color graded, flawless and cut to perfection. In short, a CZ diamond is a ‘perfect’ diamond. It is brilliant, flawless and yet cheap. Their prices do not increase exponentially with their quality unlike diamonds. And there are also some natural diamonds which have undergone treatments to reduce its blemishes thus enhanced its appearance. It is still a low grade diamond and dishonest dealers may try to pass it off as a good graded diamond and sell you at a higher price. So, before you start swiping your hard-earned money away, do some research about the jeweler as well. Ask your family, relatives or friend who have purchased from the dealer. Online forum is a good place to ask around and there are plenty of sites that provide reviews on jewelry store online. Give the jewelry store a call, talk to their staffs and decide for yourself if you are comfortable with the store. 4. Always ask for a money back guarantee There are risks in very form of transactions, so do buying diamonds. Protect yourself and minimize any risks by making sure that the store has the complete details about their return policy. It should include information about the validity period, what to do if you wish to return your purchase and their address. As a rule of thumb, online stores should offer you no less than 21 days return policy. In fact, most of them have a return policy of 30 days. 5. Choose jewelers who provide grading reports Certified diamonds will come along with a grading report by reputable gemology organizations such as GIA or AGS. Some online jewelry stores certified their diamond by in-house gemologists and they may be using different grading standards from GIA or AGS, while others may not provide the grading reports. Diamonds from top online jewelry stores generally comes accompanied with a grading report. After you have purchased your diamond, you should get it appraised again with the grading report by a trained gemologist. The grading report will be very helpful in ascertaining whether the diamond you have bought is up to the specifications shown on the report.

About the author: Mr. P Sharma is the owner of the Diamonds and Diamond Jewellery (http://djewels.org), a website that offers reviews on online jewelry stores selling diamonds and diamond jewelry.

 

Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring? Get What You Pay For

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

It’s an important time in your life when you get engaged but don’t let emotion overwhelm your shopping savvy when you purchase a diamond engagement ring.
Diamonds are valued on:
Color – the purer and whiter the more valued
Clarity – the transparency of the stone and any inclusions (visible flaws)
Cut – how well cut the diamond is (not the shape)
Carat – how much the diamond weighs
Color can be manipulated in several ways. The diamond is shown under a colored light that offsets any yellowness in the stone or is shown against a black cloth backdrop instead of white. The setting of the stone can influence the perception of the color. A white gold or platinum setting contrasts with a yellowish diamond making the yellow cast more obvious, while a yellow gold setting doesn’t make the yellow color as obvious. None of these methods are dishonest as long as the seller states the actual color grade.
However some dishonest sellers misstate the color grade intentionally or enhance it. Yellowish diamonds can be made to look whiter by touching the side of the diamond with indelible purple ink which neutralizes yellow. The diamond can also be painted to neutralize the yellow. The “paint” isn’t at all obvious, can’t be washed off and may take months of cleaning before it wears off.
All natural diamonds have some flaws. The diamond can be set to hide an obvious flaw on the edge of the diamond, the prong of the setting hiding the flaw. If you’re buying a one or more carat diamond in your engagement ring it should be examined unset. Diamonds can have a crack or fissure filled thereby concealing it. Sometimes an inclusion can be lasered out. These techniques are not unethical as long as the seller discloses they’ve been used.
The weight of the diamond is measured in carats and increases exponentially. In other words a two carat diamond with similar clarity, color, and cut, will cost much more than twice the price of a one carat diamond. Some diamonds are cut to leave a bit of unpolished area on the girdle to make sure the diamonds reaches that important one carat weight. A .95 carat diamond price per carat cost is much less than a 1.00 carat diamond price per carat cost.
A three carat diamond engagement ring can vary tremendously in value depending on how many diamonds make up the three carats. A two carat center stone offset by two 1/2 carat diamonds would be costlier than a ring with a one carat center stone offset by four 1/2 carat stones, even though both rings have three carats of diamonds.
Diamonds that are two carats don’t look twice as big as a one carat stone. The increase in perceived size is only about 50%. A word of warning: Be leery when someone says a diamond spreads 1.5 carats. That doesn’t mean it weighs 1.5 carats, just that it looks the same size as a 1.5 carat diamond when viewed from above. That can be achieved by cutting the diamond broader but shallower.
Cut is one of the more important factors. A badly cut diamond loses its brilliance and sparkle compared to a well cut diamond. A round brilliant cut diamond is about half the size of that same diamond in the rough, or uncut. Some diamond cutters will try to eke out two one carat stones out of a rough diamond crystal by sacrificing the quality of the cut.
The best way to know that you’re getting what you’re paying for when purchasing your UK diamond engagement ring is to purchase from a reliable dealer that provides a diamond grading report from an independent gemstone laboratory.

How to Select a Loose Diamond??

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Diamonds, known for their beauty and durability, were, until late, almost always seen in various jewelry facets alone- diamond earrings, diamond rings, diamond necklaces, diamond pendants. With the jewelry trend leaning towards personalized jewelry more and more people took resort in loose diamonds. In the present fashion era, loose diamonds hold a very high prized position in the market due to the convenience of molding them into any desired facet.Though it is easy to select loose diamonds, there are certain things that one should check for before deciding on what would be the final purchase. One thing that needs to be studied and decided is the kind of diamond that is to be searched. Will it be a round diamond or a princess diamond or an emerald diamond? What will be the color and clarity of the diamond? What will be its carat weight? And the like.While round diamonds is by far the most preferred choice the cushion diamonds and radiant diamonds are also speeding up in popularity. The shape of the diamond is absolutely a matter of personal tastes but the cut of a diamond must be such that it brings out maximum radiance and brilliance. Also the choice of the cut depends on one’s budget. As far as the clarity of a diamond is concerned, it need not always be a flawless diamond; a clarity grade in which the inclusions of a diamond are not clearly visible to the naked eye is good. But obviously, more the clarity more will be the price of the diamonds.The carat weight of the diamond is again a matter of choice. Depending on the budget one maintains and the size one wishes to have, the determination of the carat weight might differ.Once decided on all these points you are ready for your purchase. And with so many online diamond portals, the process of purchasing loose diamonds has been simplified further. All you need to check with after deciding the kind of diamond you wish to possess is to see that you buy certified loose diamonds. The certificate of a diamond marks its credibility. Also it helps in insuring the diamond.There are various independent gem laboratories that issue certificates for diamonds such as GIA, AGS, EGL and the like. GIA being the most recognized of all labs, GIA certified loose diamonds command maximum price. Following these are the AGS certified loose diamonds and the EGL certified loose diamonds. B2cjewels.com is an online shopping site which presents to you certified loose diamonds in all shapes and grades as per your requirement.

Certified Loose Diamondswww.b2cjewels.com

 

 

Diamond Engagement Rings: Choose Your Favorite One

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

 

Diamond is the most adamant stone found on planet earth. This stone has a unique kind of magnetism, which makes it favorite among women. The word diamond itself makes the heart of a women beat faster. And this is the reason why markets are flooded with diamonds of different styles, colors and size. Go out shopping, and what will you see is huge variety of unique diamond engagement rings available in the market.

 

Though, we all are fond of diamonds, especially in the form of diamond engagement ring, diamond engagement ring platinum, three stone diamond engagement rings, vintage engagement rings, choosing the right diamond is always dicey. Many people lack the basic knowledge about diamond, and some times end up paying more for these rings.

 

What can be more amusing than gifting diamond solitaire engagement ring to your lover. But if you end up gifting the wrong stone, you will not be able to do justice to the gift. Therefore, if you are planning to gift a ring to your lover this engagement, do it so, but only after a thorough research on the diamond stone.

 

To start with, the thing which is the most important is the 4 C’s of diamond i.e. Color, Clarity, Carat and Cut. In reference to the color of diamond, people often carry notion that diamond are colorless. Rather, it would be appropriate to say that many people believe that diamonds come without colors, and if they get to see a colored diamond, they will not take it for diamond. That is the reason; they at the first go, ask for colorless diamond engagement rings. Diamonds are mostly rated as Colorless, Near Colorless, Faint Yellow, Light Yellow and Fancy, as per their quality.

 

Now, if we speak about the clarity of diamond, clarity refers to the purity of diamond. A diamond piece leading in clarity can also be referred as flawless diamond.

 

Diamond cut refers to the symmetry of diamond. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. 1 carat diamond equals 100 points. And in the end, always remember to get your diamonds certified.

 

There is no harm in gifting a unique diamond engagement ring to your lover after a full research is done. Though, it is a time consuming process, it’s well known, that all is well that ends well. Diamond is something which people avoid selling, and it often passes from one generation to another. Therefore, take time, think back, and choose the one which will reflect your love through generations.

 

It is for sure; that if you follow the process of 4C’s you will definitely end up choosing a perfect piece for your lover. If you are still confused, there are many online jewelry stores which will help you choose the right diamond. Log on to some reputed online jewelry stores and go through numerous pages detailing about various diamond pieces. These days, online jewelry stores also help customize your diamond engagement rings. You can choose the stone and the band of your choice, and design your own diamond engagement ring.

 

So, buy diamond engagement rings from a certified online jewelry store. You can get the best diamond solitaire engagement ring, diamond engagement ring platinum, vintage diamond engagement ring and many more at affordable prices.

 

Big Offers on Discount Diamond Jewellery Solitaire Rings, Diamond Necklace , Victorian Jewellery, Diamond Brooches

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” Log on to khannajewelsco.com and browse through huge collections of discount diamond jewellery such as diamond solitaire rings, diamond necklace, victorian jewellery diamond brooches, diamond tiaras, diamond bangle estate jewelry, nose ring, vintage engagement rings. ”

 

Khannajewelsco.com feels proud to announce that customers can grab many attractive offers when they buy diamond engagement rings from it. More details about the offers can be known by visiting the popular Diamond Jewelry site www.khannajewelsco.com.The diamond rings of KJC are in great demand all over the World Thausend of customers have already availed the unique offers. So what are you waiting for?Visit on to Khanna Jewels Co. and browse through huge collections of diamond rings such as diamond solitaire rings, diamond engagement ring, gemstone ring, gemstone solitaire rings, gemstone engagement rings, diamond solitaire engagement rings, solitaire diamond rings, princess solitaire rings, diamond necklace, Necklace sets, white gold necklaces, yellow gold necklaces, gold gemstone necklace sets  and many more.The Diamond engagement rings  are unique in shapes and styles. Products like Classic Solitaires in platinum, white gold 14 & 18K or in gold 14 & 18K are in great demand. The price of this solitaire starts as low  and it varies according to the size of diamonds. Along with discounts, you can also get free shipping.

 

Khannjewelsco.com most popular website for Cheapest discount diamond jewellery such as diamond necklace, victorian jewellery diamond brooches, diamond solitaire rings, diamond tiaras, diamond bangle estate jewelry, nose ring etc. If you are one of those people who think that all work and no fun cannot in anyway lead to dismal performance, think again. The best way out is to live life in a happy manner and the best way to do is to enjoy a beautiful Diamond Jewelry with your family, relatives or friends. Now, KJC offers you Diamond Jewelry collections of diamond necklace  such as Discount White Gold Necklaces Sets, Yellow Gold Necklaces Sets Necklace, Discount Victorian Jewellery, Victorian Jewellery Sets, Victorian Earrings, Victorian Ring, Victorian Necklaces, pearl brooches, brooches and pins, vintage brooches, gold silver brooches, butterfly fashion flower brooches and many more. Just you have to enter Khannjewelsco.com to and buy. Here is always something best for you. Offers get frequently change on our website so you can choose an appropriate Diamond Jewellery  according your interest and lifestyle. If you have questions regarding information in this contact the company

 

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The Truth About Synthetic Diamonds

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Synthetic diamonds are diamond crystals manufactured in laboratories through a technological process, versus natural diamonds, which are produced deep inside the earth through a geological process.
Synthetic diamonds are not to be confused with fake diamonds as we know it, like diamond-like carbon, which is amorphous hard carbon or diamond stimulants, which are made of other materials such as cubic zirconia or silicon carbide.
Synthetic diamonds are actually real diamonds; only they are produced in labs or are man-made, and depending on the process, can even be superior to natural diamonds.
The procedure of creating a synthetic diamond is relatively easier than mining and processing natural diamonds, which is why these stones are usually used in many industrial applications, such as drilling and cutting tools, as well as in electronics.
The process of producing these cultured diamonds was first discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1892. This process created small diamond fragments by heating charcoal, which is carbon, to an extremely high temperature in a cast iron crucible.
It is then rapidly cooled by immersing the crucible into cold water, causing it to shrink, which then creates enough pressure to crystallize the molten carbon into tiny diamond fragments.
After Moissan’s process, the first commercial application of synthetic diamond production was developed by Tracy Hall for the General Electric Company in 1954.
This production process is known as the HTHP or high-temperature high-pressure, a procedure that has been improved upon and has been used to make industrial-grade diamonds to this day. Another main process being used to create synthetic diamonds is the Chemical Vapor Deposition or CVD method, which was first developed during the 1980s.
The HTHP technique applies a combination of heat and pressure on a diamond seed by using either a four-anvil tetrahedral press or a six-anvil cubic press. This is a process that attempts to replicate the natural conditions of diamonds formation inside the earth. The CVD method on the other hand, adds a vaporized carbon-plasma mixture with hydrogen, activated on the diamond seed using microwave energy, which then allows the gas to substrate.
This makes the diamond seed grow in successive layers.
Both procedures can produce cultured diamonds in a span of just several days. These stones can have the identical hardness, cleavage, light dispersion, refractive properties, specific gravity, and surface luster of a natural diamond, and may even contain small inclusions. Some cultured diamonds are even superior to their natural counterparts.
Just some of the known synthetic diamond manufacturers are Apollo Diamonds, Chatham Gems, Gemesis Cultured Diamonds, and Taurus Created Gems.
These companies create a range of lab diamonds, as they are also called, from colorless grade D diamonds to fancy diamonds.
Most synthetic diamonds will have a slightly yellowish hue because of nitrogen impurities that are present during its manufacturing.
These cultured diamonds can be distinguished from natural diamonds by using any of the following: infrared, ultraviolet, or X-ray spectroscopy. Its UV florescence can also be measured with a Diamond View tester.

The Unmistakable Style of a Woman’s Diamond Watch

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

The relationship between women and diamonds has long been established and it is certainly true to say that diamonds are amongst the longest lasting friends that a girl can ever have.  It is no surprise therefore that a woman’s diamond watch has become increasingly popular as a symbol of class and style.  Diamond rings have long been a popular choice as gifts which represent the sincerity of affection from a lover or admirer, but an increasingly wide range of jewelry which includes diamonds has become popular as such gifts.  A diamond ladies watch is perhaps somewhat unique in that it is not only exquisitely decorative and visually scintillating but has a very practical value as well.Because women’s diamond watches tend to be smaller than the diamond watches made for men they usually have a slightly smaller number of diamonds decorating the face, and as a result of this diamond watches for women tend to be slightly cheaper than men’s diamond watches.The exact number of diamonds which can be included in the decoration of a diamond ladies watch varies tremendously.  In some cases a watch can be decorated with a single diamond, often in a very significant position, either in the centre of the dial or often just above, or in the place of, the number twelve.  In other cases a womens diamond watch can include a huge number of smaller diamonds decorating almost the entire face of the watch, and replacing the numerals around the outside of the face.  With such variation it is extremely easy to be able to choose the sort of watch which most closely suits the style and personal taste of the woman who will be wearing it.  Some women will like to be able to adorn themselves with as much bling and sparkle as possible, whilst others will prefer a more subtle and conservative approach to their jewelry.It is certainly not hard to imagine the kind of impression and reaction that a woman’s diamond watch can produce.  Imagine the surprise and astonishment that giving an exquisite diamond watch to your partner will evoke.  Certainly there is no possibility that your intentions and devotion can be doubted, and the message that giving such an extraordinarily beautiful gift provides will be clearer than virtually anything else.  In fact there is little in the world that is clearer than a well cut, good quality diamond.  Diamonds are rare and take millions of years to be created.  For these reasons they continue to represent the very pinnacle of style and status. Women’s diamond watches manage to combine this remarkable jewel with an elegant design and sophistication that will certainly not look out of place on any woman’s wrist.Because a diamond ladies watch has a very practical purpose it will often be worn more frequently than any other item of jewelry.  Not only that, but a woman’s diamond watch will complement any outfit and any other jewelry that a lady chooses to wear.  Diamond watches are certainly the ultimate accessory, and there is no chance at all of it ever gathering dust at the back of her jewelry drawer.Although it is easy to assume that most diamonds are clear and relatively colorless, diamonds do come in a variety of colours.  Because of this there are several ways in which a womens diamond watch can be designed in a particularly feminine manner.  Of all of the diamonds in the world the rarest diamond of all is the pink diamond.  Some women’s diamond watches incorporate these pink diamonds in very noticeable ways, and by doing this there are two distinct benefits.  The first benefit of having a pink diamond embedded in a diamond ladies watch is that the overall style can accentuate the delicate pink shades, creating a watch style which is distinctly feminine.  The second benefit is simply that the very fact that a pink diamond has been used in fashioning the watch in a very visible way adds tremendous value to it due to the rarity and high cost of the diamond. The choice of pink diamond by man for a ladies watch indicates not only a personal statement of intent, but also a high degree of understanding and attention, Today, modern scientific technology has advanced to the point where it is able to create synthetic diamonds which are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds, except when it comes to examining the price label.  Although a woman’s diamond watch can incorporate either natural or synthetic diamonds, it is virtually impossible sometimes to tell the difference, and this has resulted in diamond watches for women becoming much more accessible and increasingly popular.

Buy Citrine Diamond jewelry for your True Love

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Diamond is the queen of all precious stones. It is not only rare but also has absolutely no equal in hardness. Diamonds have a wide color range and their reaction to light is to sparkle and scintilate. Besides being the hardest substance on earth it is extremely rare and beautiful. It is no wonder then that diamond and amethyst jewelry or citrine diamond jewelry or any combination of diamonds with one or more other precious stones is turning out to be very popular.

The dazzling diamond is actually just a miracle of nature. Diamonds come in a wide variety of colors and clarities and cuts. The size and weight of diamonds is normally weighed using the unit of measure, carat. When you decide to buy diamond and amethyst jewelry or citrine diamond jewelry you must take into account the cut, carat, color and clarity of the diamonds. Diamonds are available in various kinds of settings each of which displays it in a distinct fashion. Some of the more popular diamond settings include channels, chevrons, bezels, bars, prongs and paves.

Diamond and amethyst jewelry is one of the most beautiful forms of color stone jewelry. Diamond rings and more so diamond amethyst engagement rings and diamond citrine engagement rings are an all-time favorite with jewelry lovers. A diamond necklace is a desirable and luxurious jewelry gift. Diamonds set in gold are popular all over the world and Indians they say account for fifty percent of the entire world’s purchases of gold. Besides, there could be other precious stones set in gold along with the diamonds as in the citrine diamond jewelry.

Diamonds in settings of platinum also make great jewelry albeit a bit expensive. For those who look for elegance, they may choose a combination of colored diamond with any semi precious color stones. Citrine diamond jewelry in white gold settings is getting to be very popular with the modern generation. Rings with diamonds and amethysts set in them make great diamond and amethyst jewelry which can be worn with great versatility. You can also find bracelets, pendants and earrings set with amethyst or citrine with diamonds.

Despite the fact that diamonds are the hardest materials here on earth, they are brittle and therefore not indestructible. Amethyst and citrine are not nearly as hard and therefore one must make sure they do not wear any diamond and amethyst jewelry while engaging in heavy activity. Citrine diamond jewelry can be easily maintained by cleaning it with a soft brush and water and a small bit of ammonia. Make sure your diamond jewelry is stored in the velvet boxes it came in to make sure it stays free from scratches. Although diamonds were once upon a time a luxury item, today they have become quite affordable. The dazzle, little maintenance required and longevity of diamond jewelry more than makes up for the price. Hence diamonds are kept for some of life’s most special moments.

Keep the Sparkle in Your Diamond

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Diamonds are extremely hard and durable. Take care of your diamond by avoiding breaks and scratches and keep it clean. With good care, your diamond will have the same sparkle and beauty in ten, a hundred or a thousand years. Diamonds do not fade, tarnish or wear out like most materials. The secret to keeping a diamond’s sparkle is keeping it clean.

Diamonds are the hardest natural material. Only a diamond can scratch a diamond. Use great caution when wearing multiple diamond rings on the same finger. If the diamonds of one ring touch diamonds in another ring, both diamonds will likely end up scratched in a relatively short time. If you have a diamond wedding band next to your diamond engagement ring, be sure their design allows them to fit together so the diamonds do not touch.

The next most dangerous place for diamonds scratching each other is in the jewelry box. Do not throw your diamond rings, diamond earrings, and diamond bracelet together. Since diamonds will scratch diamonds, think of what they can do to other gemstones and precious metals. Keep your diamond jewelry in separate compartments or isolated by soft cloth to keep them from rubbing each other.

While diamonds are very durable, they can break or chip. You would not let someone hit your diamond with a steel hammer but your diamond ring faces the same type of danger every day. File cabinets, metal seat belt buckles, and car doors are just a few of the metal surfaces that can hit a diamond in the course of a normal day. Avoid sharp impacts with hard surfaces and you will avoid chips and cracks in your diamond.

Diamonds are natural grease attractors. Some diamond mines separate diamonds from the broken rocks by running the material over a conveyor belt covered with a layer of grease. Diamonds stick to the grease and the rocks slide off. At the end of the shift, they remove the grease and melt it away, leaving the diamonds.

Remember diamond’s attraction to grease when you touch a diamond with your finger. The oil from your fingertips will coat the diamond and reduce the sparkle. The same is true when your diamond ring touches the oil in your hair. Hand creams, lotions, hair spray, soap, and grease from food will create a film on your diamond that hides its beauty. When you put your hands in dishwater, the dirt and grease in the water will adhere to the diamond. Dust and powders also cling to diamonds.

Fortunately, diamonds are easy to clean. Put your diamond jewelry in a warm solution of mild liquid detergent and water. You can also use the containers of “Jewelry Cleaner” available at jewelry and department stores. These typically have a small basket the ring can sit in and a small, soft brush to clean the hard to reach places around the diamond. Swish the ring around in the solution, rinse it with warm water, and dry the ring with a lint-free cloth. While chemicals will probably not hurt your diamond, harsh chemicals like chlorine or bleach can weaken and discolor the metal in the jewelry. Keep in mind that swimming pools and hot tubs usually have high levels of chlorine and are not a safe place for jewelry.

There are many types of ultrasonic cleaners available to the public today. The piece of jewelry sits in a basket of water and detergent. The ultrasonic cleaner produces high-frequency turbulence that is an excellent way to clean the hard to get at part of jewelry. Not all gemstones are as durable as diamonds. Never put soft materials like emeralds, opals and pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner.

With a little common sense and regular cleaning, your diamonds will keep their sparkle and beauty for years of enjoyment.

Jewelry Appraiser ServicesTips for Buying Big Diamonds on a Small Budget

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Few diamond shoppers can walk into a high-end jewelry store and buy a 5-carat, D color, Internally Flawless diamond with Ideal cut parameters. If you are like most diamond shoppers, you have a limited budget. However, you still want to get the biggest and most beautiful diamond within your budget. You can take some simple steps that will ensure you get the biggest diamond possible.

1) Diamonds have price per carat increases at the most popular carat weights (0.50, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 2.00, etc.) because that is what shoppers request when they go into a jewelry store. Your dollars can go further buying a diamond that has a carat weight just under those weights. For example, a diamond that weighs 0.90 carats can be the same millimeter diameter as a diamond weighing 1.00 carat but cost $1000 less.

2) The price of diamonds is very sensitive to color grade, yet most shoppers have a difficult time seeing the difference between some of the color grades. If you buy the lowest color grade that looks beautiful to your eyes, the lower price per carat allows you to buy a bigger diamond with your dollars. The highest color grades (D, E, and F) are categorized as “colorless.” The next color grades (G, H, I, and J) are “near colorless” and the source of beautiful diamonds at much lower prices.

3) A ring with several smaller diamonds is less expensive than a single diamond with the same total carat weight. For example, three 0.50 carat diamonds will cost a fraction of what a single diamond weighing 1.50 carats. The same holds true for a 1.0-carat center stone with 0.25-carat diamonds on each side. If you want a finger full of diamonds with a limited budget, consider several diamonds rather than a solitaire.

4) All diamonds have inclusions; the key is what you can see with your eye. Once a diamond is clean to the eye (VS2 or good SI1 for brilliant cut shapes), higher clarity grades have no impact on the beauty or appearance of a diamond, they only add to the expense. Get the lowest clarity grade you are comfortable with and save a lot of money will no sacrifice in beauty.

5) The shape of the diamond can affect the millimeter size. Of course, you should always get the diamond shape you like best but some shapes do look larger than other shapes. Ovals, marquises and pear shaped diamonds generally look larger than round or square diamonds with the same carat weight.

6) Even diamonds with the same shape and carat weight can be different sizes. The cut of the diamond can influence the millimeter size. Shallower diamonds tend to be bigger in length and width than deeper diamonds. It is similar to two men each weighing 200 pounds, where the smaller waistline probably results in a taller man.

7) The type of setting you select to hold your diamond can influence the diamond’s perceived size as well as affect the dollars you have to spend on the diamond. White gold settings cost about one-third of platinum settings, leaving more money for your diamond. Bezel set diamonds or diamonds with pave around the center stone can make the diamond appear bigger.

8) Perhaps the most important factor in getting the biggest diamond for your dollars is where you purchase. The retail markup on diamonds can range from well under 10% with online retailers to over 200% at high-end jewelry stores. Finding a retailer with very low overhead and low prices will ensure more of your dollars go for your diamond. Why spend your money for polished marble floors, fancy display cabinets, and elaborate store interiors, all things you cannot wear out of the store?

In the end, you want to go with the diamond that excites you and makes you happy every time you wear it. That is the best indicator that you have made the right decision and have the best diamond for you.