Now that you’ve decided that you want a diamond ring, be it for your engagement, personal gratification or gifting, the next step is purchasing. But before you do, you need to know how to choose right. You see, since diamonds are naturally beautiful, selecting one involves narrowing down your options, which can be by shape or quality. Below we give you some amazing tips to help you in the selection process. Let’s dig in!
Choosing the Diamond Shape
When we speak about the diamond shape, we’re referring to the launching point of the ring’s design. However, because of the varying preferences among ring buyers, no diamond shape is regarded as better than the other. So, the shape you choose entirely depends on your personal preference, or your partners’ (if you’re choosing an engagement ring)
From maple leaf engagement ring, oval, emerald, round, to pear, you can never run out of options.
But if you can’t seem to decide on the shape, feel free to ask family and friends to help out. You can also search online and compare diamonds to settle for what you like most.
Choosing the Carat Weight
There are various carat diamonds options. However, the best thing to do is settle on a budget before choosing the carat weight, because they usually affect the ring pricing.
If the budget isn’t a problem, you can consider other preferences. For instance, are you looking for a 0.70, 1, 2, 3-carat diamond? Do you want a bigger attention-attracting stone? Or are looking for something simple and class? Remember, the higher the carat weight, the larger amount of money you’re going to spend.
Examine the Cut Quality
A diamond’s beauty is primarily rated by how well cut it appears. Remember, each diamond ring vendor operate under different cut grades. So, since they aren’t standardized it’s best to look out for excellently cut diamonds. Otherwise, why would you want to spend your savings on a stone you won’t be proud to display?
Pro tip: When searching on vendor websites, key in excellent or ideal diamonds to help you narrow down your options.
Settle on the Color Range
Most probably, the main reason why you wanted a diamond color ring in the first place is because of its white appearance. So, if you’re working on a budget, source out for diamonds that will give you a near-closer look. For example, you can still get such in lower grades. But if money isn’t a problem, you can go for higher grade diamonds for that colorless look.
However, even as you select stones depending on the grades, also consider the shape of the diamond. This is because each shape differently reflects the color several strengths. For perfect results, always aim at striking a balance between the stone shape, and your preferred color.
For example, how round-cut diamonds reflect the color is different from how Maple Leaf diamonds reflect. Also, the less white the color is, the lower the price and vice versa. But it doesn’t mean you will get a low-quality diamond if you’ve to compromise on the color. So, if you work smartly around your budget (no matter how tight), you can still get a good diamond ring.
Check out the Clarity Grade
Diamond clarity and color are like cousins. They’re both meant for the eyes. However, clarity refers to how clear, striking or eye clean the stone is to naked eyes. For instance, a diamond with good clarity means that you can’t see any blemishes with your naked eyes. However, the clarity grade depends on the shape you select. Most vendors allow you to view the engagement ring up close to review the diamond’s clarity.
That said, no matter your budget, you should always aim at getting an eye-clean ring. Depending on the range, a diamond’s inclusion can be visible when you view it using a microscope, but not with a naked eye. Get the worth of what you pay.
Always Compare
Now that you’ve already conducted the above checks, it’s time to narrow down your choice by comparing similar diamonds. Look at how sparkly it is and if it’s within your budget.
Also, although most people still debate on whether there’s any difference between earth mined or lab grown, there is really no significant difference. So, this shouldn’t worry you in the comparison process.
Verify the Certificate
The worst thing that can happen to you is purchasing a diamond with inconsistent grading. So far, the most reliable certificates out there are the GIA and AGS certified diamonds.