There’s more to buying a diamond than one might think. And there are organizations such as the GIA (Gemological American Institute) that specifically devotes extensive research to the discovery of all gems, including diamonds. However, attempting to get to grips with every aspect of a diamond, their structure and production in a short time is impossible. So this guide outlines everything you need to know about buying the best possible diamond for you. The four C’s, certification and ethical extraction of your diamond are essential aspects to think about while shopping online or in-store for a new gem. We discuss these elements below.
Four C’s
The four C’s are a grading system put in place by the GIA, and recognized globally as the go-to source for defining the purity, appearance, and value of a diamond. The four C’s are as follows;
- Cut – A trained professional can define a diamonds potential to exhibit a shine/bright white light based on its proportions and symmetry, and this affects its value.
- Clarity – Determines what blemishes and inclusions can either be viewed as internal or external to the diamond, usually by a trained professional using 10x magnification. For instance, the diamond clarity chart defines FL diamonds as extremely valuable with no inclusions or blemishes viewable through magnification.
- Carat – Specifies the size and weight of the diamond. The more substantial the size/weight of the diamond the higher the value.
- Color – The diamond can be graded on the GIA scale from D to Z to determine whether it exhibits a clear and perfect structure. In terms of color, a colorless diamond is deemed rare, and therefore higher in price. The more color present, the less the jewel’s worth
The grading of your diamond in consideration of the four C’s shall affect its value, and in some instances, its visual appeal too. And so, be sure to inquire about the grading of your chosen diamond while visiting the jewelers.
Certification
Before choosing to buy a diamond you adore, always check that it is genuinely certified, produced naturally and not created at a laboratory. A real diamond shall be approved and graded using the four C’s that we touched on above.
Ethical Diamonds
In consideration of what diamond is deemed most suitable, the moral aspect is worth thinking about too. There are rough diamonds that are unethically withdrawn from the earth as conflict diamonds which are sold to fund rebellious causes and perpetuate war in countries such as Africa. Hence, checking whether your rings diamond is certified shall give you the peace of mind that you have not funded any unethical causes. You can ask your jeweler where the diamonds are mined and/or who the supplier is.
The information above identifies the essential aspects of buying the best possible diamond for you or your loved one. The four C’s are the grading system that shall define the value of a real diamond coupled with proof that it’s a genuine one. Furthermore, being inquisitive about the source of your diamond shall give you the confidence that your gem is one that has been ethically extracted from the earth.