If you're looking to buy matching promise rings for couples, it is definitely a large investment. It can cost upwards $6,000 depending upon the size and grade of the stone. The only way to get a diamond is to pay this price, so it's understandable that many people find purchasing a stone overwhelming. It isn't nearly as difficult as one might think. Learn how to buy diamond jewelry confidently with these diamond buying tips. Continue reading for our diamond purchasing guide.
How to Purchase a Diamond jewelry for couples
It is important to consider the budget available when purchasing diamonds. Our diamond advice will enable you to choose the stone that best fits your budget.
Know the 4Cs for diamond couples necklaces quality
The quality of diamonds is determined by four distinct characteristics. These characteristics are evaluated and graded in a professional setting by someone with specialized training. The 4Cs for diamonds include cut, color carat and transparency. The Gemological Institute of America has developed a ranking system for each of these factors. It is widely accepted that this is the standard of diamond grading. The GIA provides a quality report that notes each stone's value based on the graders evaluation of a particular diamond. The 4Cs are explained in detail.
Cut:
Diamond cut quality is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a diamond. Even the finest diamonds can appear dull and black if their cut grade is low. But the cut is one of the most difficult 4Cs. The cut grade for a stone can be determined with a precise calculation. This includes the weight, the girdle size, the symmetry in the facet arrangement, as well the polishing of these facets. The GIA system of cut grading is designed to assess standard round diamonds whose color grades range from D to Z. It can be adapted, however to other shapes. The six grades consist of Ideal, Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair and poor.
Color:
Color grade should be considered after the cut quality is established. Some stones, such as chemically colorless diamonds, may also have a yellowish-brown tint. The GIA colour grading scale starts with grade D, which represents a perfectly colorless stone, and continues through to grade Z. Each letter of the alphabet indicates a stronger hue. When evaluating diamonds, a grader will use a collection of master stones to compare the color to. The GIA group these 23 grades in five categories so that they can acknowledge the similarity of some grades in terms both of value and appearance. Colorless, Near Colorless, Faint, Very light and Light are the five categories.
Carat:
Carat is not the same as size, but it is an accurate measure of weight. Carat is a factor that affects the size of an apparent diamond. A 1-carat oval diamond can look larger than the same-sized round diamond. In order to better help consumers understand the look of the diamonds they are buying, GIA certificates often include the carat size and the millimeter measurement.
Carat measurement has the most direct impact on a diamond's value. Prices increase exponentially in proportion to the increase of carats. A 2-carat, same-quality diamond will cost more than a pair of 1-carat diamonds. A diamond that is four times larger will be more expensive.
Clarity:
Clarity is a measure of imperfections found within and on the outside of a stone. Because of the way in which diamonds are grown, whether lab-grown or natural, they will never be flawless. The GIA clarity scale is divided into six categories based on the size of the inclusions as well as their position, relief and appearance. The GIA clarity grade scale consists of 11 unique grades which are divided in six categories. Flawless is one category, Internally flawless (IF), Very, Very Slightly (VVS), VS (Very Slightly), SI (Slightly) and I (Included).
You can Work with Trained Professionals
When purchasing diamonds, work with a professional that you can trust. A jeweler or gemologist is a good example. Select this person with the same attention you would give to a trained professional such as a physician, lawyer, etc. Working with someone who has the proper training and is open to answering questions in simple terms will ensure that you get the best results. They should not make a person feel uninformed. If you're looking for fine jewelry or stones, it is essential to establish a good relationship with the jeweler.
A diamond professional can be found by looking for someone who has credentials, such as a GIA graduate gemologist (GG) and Applied Jewelry Professionals (AJP). What ever training your professional has, it should be from an internationally-recognized program. You can use the GIA retailer search to locate a store near you with GIA Diamonds or trained GIA Associates.
The Grade Report is available upon request
Unbiased, scientific grading reports will give you additional information on the diamonds that you purchase and serve as proof as to the stone's value. This is a crucial component in how to determine if a particular diamond is genuine, and the way that its various qualities work together. These reports typically come from GIA (or another recognized association) and list a unique reference number, which you should verify with that organization. A grading document will reveal more than just 4Cs. This report will provide information on the diamond’s composition and whether the diamond was created in a laboratory or grown naturally.
If you want to be sure that the diamond you are buying is of high quality, insist on getting a certificate from a laboratory. If your seller can't provide this info, you should find another vendor.