How To Choose The Perfect Diamond Ring | JM Edwards Jewelry

  

Choosing the Perfect Diamond

Purchasing an engagement diamond for many is one of the largest investments one will make besides their home or their car.  It is also a very foreign item to most.  Therefore, most will do their homework to try and learn as much as possible about diamond quality and value before they make the purchase.  The first step in this process is generally to become familiar and understand the grading system of the Gemological Institute of America which is known as the four C’s.

The four C’s of diamonds was developed by the Gemological Institute of America.  It is an international system that everyone worldwide has adopted in the jewelry industry.  The four C’s is an objective way to compare and evaluate diamonds.  However, the beauty and elusive quality of a diamond can only be experienced by viewing the diamond with your own eyes.

The essentials of the 4 C’s are :

Carat weight

Carat weight is a metric unit that is about 0.2 grams.  A carat is divided into 100 points.  Therefore a diamond of 75 points will weigh 0.75 ct.  The larger the diamond weight, the more rare it is.

Diamond Size Guide

Color

The color of a diamond is valued by how closely they approach colorlessness. (The exceptions are fancy color diamonds.)  The scale begins with D as the best and represents colorless.  As the color becomes more present the grading goes down the alphabet to Z.

Diamond Color Grades

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes.  The G.I.A. scale contains 11 diamond clarity grades beginning with flawless.  The lowest diamond grade is an Imperfect 3.  These diamonds demonstrate very easily recognizable imperfections.

Diamond Clarity Example

Cut

The diamond cut is perhaps the most difficult to analyze.  The cut begins with the shape of the diamond.  Most important in the diamond’s cut is the diamond’s proportion, symmetry, and polish.  The quality of the cut affects the brightness, fire, and scintillation of the diamond.

In 2005, the G.I.A. unveiled a diamond cut grading system that set the standard for round brilliant diamonds in the D to Z color range.  Diamond cut grades range from excellent to poor.

Diamond Cut Examples

 

The G.I.A. has provided the world with the most efficient grading system.  However, it is just as important to utilize a trained diamond professional when purchasing your engagement diamond.  Subtle differences can greatly affect the value of the diamond.   As a consumer, you need the one on one relationship with a diamond specialist to determine if the diamond you are purchasing best matches the quality represented in the report and if it is the best value for you.

To learn more about the fascinating world of diamonds please set up a free diamond seminar with our senior gemologist.  Through our hands on demonstration, you will feel more confident as you make one of the most important purchases of your life.  It is a purchase that will demonstrate your love and commitment forever.