5 Important Things To Understand About Diamond Purchases

It is among the experiences that is sure to have caused confusion at some point in even the most seasoned jewellery shopper. The diamond purchase involves aspects that are complex and go beyond just selecting a shiny, pricey stone. Understanding the following five important aspects of a diamond purchase is sure to make the shopper feel more confident and happy with their shopping experience and minimise the risk of unpleasant surprises after the purchase!

Understanding the 4 Cs

This is something only seasoned buyers of diamonds can actually use, as laymen may not be able to truly tell the difference. However, everyone should be aware of the 3Cs and how it affects the quality and pricing of the diamond.
So, what are the three Cs?

The three Cs are:
1. Colour
2. Cut
3. Clarity

Colour of the diamond is definitely one of the key indicators of its quality. Diamonds and rare diamonds are actually found in colours besides the popular and common white; other than white they are available in blue, pink, yellow etc. This is because naturally occurring diamonds can have other sediments in them that affect their appearance. The typical definition of pure diamonds refers to those that have no colour affecting sediments and are rather transparent. So, on the scale of quality; diamonds are graded based on their colour. The alphabets D - E - F are grades representing colourless diamonds that are high quality, the next are G - H - I - J, which are nearly colourless and beyond these categories are those such as faintly yellow, light yellow and yellow, though they are not preferred. The price is higher for colourless diamonds and lower for those that are even mildly yellow.

Cut of the diamond is what actually makes the stone sparkle and shine. This obviously goes to indicate the quality of the gem being purchased as well. There are several types or styles of cuts resulting in different shapes and brilliance. The better the cut of the diamond the more sparkling and luminous it will be. Cutting the diamond basically means creating symmetrical facets in the gemstone which will then interestingly catch the light and reflect it back causing the brilliance. There are several types of cuts such as the popular modern round brilliant, princess cut, emerald cut, oval cut, etc., to name a few.

Clarity of the diamond is among the trickiest aspects for anyone to observe with their naked eye. Clarity of the diamond refers to naturally found inclusions inside the diamond and the blemishes found on the surface that determine its quality. Most inclusions are never visible to the naked eye and can only be observed under magnification. Diamonds with higher grades of clarity are considered flawless and are hence more expensive.

2. Understanding the Setting

A regular shopper does nor simply buy diamonds as gemstones but rather as well-designed jewels. This means the setting of diamonds in the design is an important aspect of the purchase.
Diamond jewellery uses different kinds of settings, depending on the size and shape of the stone. The setting can also increase or decrease the brilliance of a diamond and hence is important to understand.
There are a variety of settings to choose from such as the classic prong setting, which allows the diamond to stand out more prominently.
The shared prong setting allows setting multiple diamonds closely next to each other in a crown arrangement.
The Bezel setting which holds the stone securely can also create an illusion of a larger stone.

3. Understanding the Metals

In the modern-day diamond jewellery is typically designed with gold or platinum metals. But the gold karat is also an important aspect to consider.
Diamond is better to be set in 18 kt gold as they make stronger setting and jewellery than in 22 kt.
Hence, understanding the basics of the metals and the karat that best pairs with the kind of diamond you are looking for are key. Typically engagement and wedding ring in platinum are on the rise in popularity.
But diamonds and gold have long been a classic combination and diamonds even pair well with white and rose gold.

4.Understanding the Carat and Cost

Besides, the three Cs discussed right at the start of this blog is the fourth ‘C’, which is the easiest for everyone to understand as it signifies the budget required for the diamond purchase.
Diamond purchases are considered expensive, but the cost factor is determined by several factors of the diamond; from the colour and cut to the clarity and carat of the diamond.
Carat refers to the size and weight of a diamond. The bigger the carat the more expensive the diamond.

5. Understanding the Alternatives

There have always been several alternatives to diamonds. If you are not truly looking to buy a diamond but are drawn to the brilliance and luminosity of this transparent gemstone, then you can look at alternatives such as the zircon and moissanite.
These can be less expensive alternatives to diamonds while not compromising on the look and brilliance of the jewellery.
Hope this blog is helpful for all those who would like to make a more discerning diamond purchase.
With the festive season around the corner, it is time to do some jewellery shopping for you and your loved one, so get started and browse through our exciting range of diamond jewellery including rings, pendants, tanmaniya, earrings and nose pins at Ketandiamonds.com