A Guide to Smart Diamond Jewelry Shopping

Diamonds evoke some strong feelings - people are drawn to the rarity and beauty of diamonds. It's easy to get caught up in the search for the perfect diamond. But making informed decisions is essential as you browse diamond jewelry and find the ideal piece to add to your collection. We're here to help you shop smart so you are satisfied with your new purchase.

Understanding the Four Cs

One crucial nugget to know as you shop for diamond jewelry is the 4Cs. The quality of diamonds is determined by the 4Cs (clarity, cut, color, and carat).

• Clarity: Stones with the highest level of clarity will barely show inclusions, even under the microscope. Lower levels of quality mean that inclusions can be seen with the naked eye. Some cuts highlight the diamond's clarity more than others, so it's a good idea to see if you notice any inclusions.
• Cut: A well-cut diamond impacts the diamond's sparkle and brilliance and can make the stone appear bigger. Cut is important because it's noticeable, and any lopsided or asymmetrical cuts are apparent to the naked eye.
• Color: Colorless diamonds are considered higher quality than lower grades of color. Your diamond's color is based on your personal preferences - some prefer a warmer diamond with a lower color quality, while others prefer a cooler, colorless diamond. It's up to you!
• Carat Weight: Larger diamonds are more rare and come at a higher cost as a result. Browse different cuts at different carat weights - keep in mind that some cuts/weights cost more than others.

Tricks of Diamond Shopping

While you shop for diamonds, we have a few tips and tricks to help.

• Off-Carat Purchases:

  One trick when shopping for diamonds is to choose diamonds slightly below traditional carat weights. For example, you can select a 1.99-carat diamond instead of a 2-carat diamond. This saves money, and you can't tell the difference between the two.

• Lab Diamonds:

  Another helpful trick is to consider lab diamonds because they're more affordable and have some added benefits. They're a sustainable option, ethically sourced, natural, and lab diamonds are indistinguishable - they look exactly the same.

• Fluorescence:

  About 30% of diamonds have fluorescence at some level. This means that the diamonds emit a soft glow when an ultraviolet light is shined on them. If you aren't concerned about fluorescence, then you can save some money because colorless (D-F) fluorescent diamonds generally sell for about 15% less because they're perceived as a defect.

• Certification:

  Look for diamonds that are certified by reputable organizations, such as GIA, IGI, and AGS. Certified diamonds come with a detailed report about the natural or lab diamond you're purchasing so you can know what you're getting. Certification provides peace of mind and information from a third party about the quality and authenticity of your diamond.

Setting and Metal Choices

Another consideration when shopping for diamonds is the type of setting that you're planning to get and the metal. Both of these options enhance or detract from the diamond's beauty, and the goal is to flaunt the diamond's beauty. You want the setting to complement the diamond's color. If you're leaning toward yellow gold, it casts a warm glow and works well with faint-colored diamonds. Colorless or near-colorless diamonds pair well with platinum or white gold, making the stone look icier. The metal choice will also impact your budget because some metals, such as platinum, are more expensive than other metal choices, such as yellow, rose, or white gold. Gold and platinum are strong, durable metals that work well for engagement ring settings.

Budgeting

Another vital piece to help you browse diamonds is to set a realistic budget. It's financially responsible to set a budget, and it will help streamline the buying process and allow you to make decisions easier. It comes down to setting a budget that fits your lifestyle when you also weigh other life responsibilities.

If you're thinking about financing your engagement ring, read the fine print so you know what you're getting into before committing. Determine what kind of monthly payment you can afford for a period – typically 6 to 12 months. If you've saved some for the engagement ring, you can apply that to the ring so the amount that you're financing costs less.

Trends and Styles

Round and princess-cut diamonds remain the two popular diamond shapes, but you can choose whatever cut you’d prefer. Sometimes, these cuts are more expensive because they're more popular. Newer trends in settings include halo settings, which also make the center diamond appear larger, and designs with hidden details, such as hidden halos or accent gemstones hidden in the center diamond's basket. You'll see plenty of different designs, so you'll want to think about selecting a timeless piece that will look amazing for years and years.

Care and Maintenance

Once you spend time and money searching for the perfect engagement ring, you want to ensure its well cared for and maintained so it'll last. Have your ring periodically inspected by a professional jeweler. They'll examine it under a microscope to ensure the prongs haven't worn down, the center stone and any additional stones are safe, and the ring looks good overall. You can also clean your ring at home to remove the dirt and grime that can get caught in your setting. A general rule is to leave your ring at home if you're planning a strenuous activity, heading out swimming, or working with your head. It'll help you protect your ring from damage and loss.

Conclusion

More men and women are buying engagement rings together by select the perfect center diamond. Setting a realistic budget is crucial and will help you efficiently browse for the setting and center diamond. This will keep the process less overwhelming. If you want to save money, consider stones just under a full carat or two, look at lab made diamonds, and choose a metal within your budget. As you browse different rings, make sure you're making an informed, researched decision. You want to be happy with your engagement ring purchase and also want it to feel like a lasting investment.