Many factors go into selecting the perfect diamond for your perfect engagement ring. If you are not familiar with what all the numbers and letters mean, in descriptions such as ".50CT VVS G", it can turn an exciting moment into a never racking experience! Going to a trusted local jeweler and learning the "4C's of diamonds" will help alleviate much of your stress so you can confidently begin the process of buying the best diamond for your bride. Email us to find a local jeweler who can guide you through the process at info@jabel.com
How To Buy A Diamond #1: Diamond ColorAs ironic as it sounds, to get the best color flashes in your stone you want the stone with the least amount of color in it. The greater the presence of color the less refraction of light and the less brilliant the stone will appear.A standardized grading system has been established to evaluate a stone's color.The scale goes from D (colorless) alphabetically to Z (has a notably increased presence of color). G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America) has a fantastic sliding scale to depict the color change associated with the letter. The letter to represent color appears at the end of the diamond grade, in this example it is a 'G' color stone: Example: VVS G.
How To Buy A Diamond #2:Diamond ClarityDiamonds commonly have some degree of flaws in the stone, called inclusion or on the stone, called blemishes. Another grading system has been created to rate the extent of these problems. It is based on the visibility, size and quantity of the inclusions and blemishes which all contribute to the level of the stone's brilliance. In this example it is a Very Very Slightly Included clarity stone: Example: VVS G. For a full description of each level of clarity as well as another interactive diagram visit GIA.
- FL - Flawless
- IF - Internally Flawless
- VVS1 - Very Very Slightly Included
- VVS2 - Very Very Slightly Included
- VS1 - Very Slightly Included
- VS2 - Very Slightly IncludedSI1 - Slightly Included
- SI2 - Slightly Included
- I1 - Included
- I2 - Included
- I3 - Included
How To Buy A Diamond #3:Diamond CutTo bring out the brilliance of a diamond precise systematic cuts, called facets are made to the stone to illuminate the stone's brilliance. The better the cut the more brilliant the stone. This grading system helps identify how well the stone is cut:
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
How To Buy A Diamond #4: Diamond CaratThe weight of a stone is described by the term 'carat' which is abbreviated to 'CT.' While rough assumptions on size in terms of millimeter measurements can be generally assumed based on the carat and shape they are not the same thing. Each carat weighs 200 milligrams and is subdivided into 100 points to allow for accurate measurements of weight. Therefore a stone's weight can be described using a number of methods, the following weights are for the same stone:
- 1/2 carat
- 50 Points
- .50CT
After you select the stone do not forget to make sure you set it in a setting meant to last a lifetime, such as an heirloom quality die struck mounting. Make sure to ask about your engagement ring's manufacturing to ensure your diamond is set in a mounting that will withstand the test of time.
