Diamonds are the epitome of luxury and beauty, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you add diamond jewelry to your collection.
People use diamonds in everything from engagement rings and watches to bracelets and necklaces. People often think of diamonds as the symbol of love and commitment, but there’s a lot more to diamond jewelry than what it represents and how you can wear it.
Read on to learn what to know before you buy diamond jewelry and ensure that you make the best purchase, whether it’s for yourself or someone else.
Carat
Jewelers measure diamonds using carats. A diamond’s carat is the unit of measurement indicating a diamond’s size and, more specifically, its weight. In general, the bigger the carat, the heavier and more expensive the diamond is. Carats have more of an influence on a diamond’s price than any other factor.
Color
While most people picture a clear gem when imagining a diamond, these gems come in a variety of colors, from yellow to brown to blue. Jewelers grade a diamond’s color on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a hued diamond). The market for gems with a pop of color is growing and subsequentially altering the price of colored diamonds.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond involves how many blemishes, inclusions, or surface defects are present. These can appear as small spots or as larger issues that make the inside of the gem appear rough. Jewelers use a clarity scale to determine the diamond’s quality. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Diamond Clarity Scale goes from FL (flawless) to I (included).
Cut Quality
A diamond’s cut quality rating expresses how well it reflects light and sparkles. The best cuts are brilliant, which means they have facets (or small flat surfaces) that reflect light at the viewer from many angles. The highest quality diamonds reflect light from every direction, causing them to “sparkle” when moved in the light.
Conflict-Free
While not one of the GIA’s “4 C”s of diamond rating, many buyers take ethically sourced, conflict-free gems into consideration as they shop. While there are differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds, some buyers put the gems’ sustainability and ethical creation above all else. Lab-grown diamonds have the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as natural diamonds.
Diamond necklaces, rings, and accessories are timeless pieces. Understanding what to know before you buy diamond jewelry will help you choose the right piece for you. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, a new watch, or just some new jewelry to spruce up your outfit, diamonds are always a fantastic choice.
