Diamond Buyer's Guide
CUT (not just shape), COLOR, CLARITY & Platinum vs. Gold
First, relax. Just
remember there really are only four
variables. If you don't have a basic familiarity with the 4C’s: Cut, Color,
Clarity and Carat Weight, check out adiamondisforever.com. They'll cover the
basics.
What deBeer’s won't tell you is that 'cut' can affect the price and value of a diamond by up to 40%! Think about both the shape of the diamond, and the quality of the cut. Ask your diamond professional how there can be at least a dozen brands of “Ideal Cuts” and how can they all be different? Ask why all fancy shapes are priced at a discount to Rounds.
An Example of a Well Proportioned Diamond
You’ll see the
differences in diamonds easier by looking at loose diamonds. Don’t fall for a
nice ring with an inferior diamond (Gee, do you suppose that’s why low-end
retailers like to sell finished rings rather than give you the chance to
scrutinize diamonds and settings separately?). Diamond color is another factor
that is more easily observed with at least one or two other loose diamonds in a
grading tray for comparison.
Certificates can be a
contentious issue. We have re-submitted diamonds for grading, both color and
clarity, and have at times come out with a difference in the certification
—from the same Lab! Check out the
fine print. The certificate is NOT a guarantee, just another educated opinion,
and some ‘certs’ aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. Contact me
and I'll tell you which of the big certification companies is not respected
among professionals, and why.
Here’s something most novice buyers don’t know: the ‘best’ diamonds are not the best value. D Color, Flawless diamonds are very rare and pricey, and often appreciate much more slowly than, say, G Color, SI1 clarity diamonds. You need to know this up front, before you spend your hard earned money! It's still your choice, but it's better to know so-called ‘investment quality’ diamonds often aren’t.
G.I.A. DIAMOND CLARITY GRADING
Let's touch on the subject
of settings. We can help you choose a setting that not only meets your
aesthetic, but also your lifestyle. There are specific questions we’ll ask to
be sure you love to wear your ring as much as you enjoy admiring it.
Here's a good example: Forget wraps. They are a 'mall look' and a maintenance headache. Often crafted in yellow gold, these 'high profit margin' settings usually feature low quality, poorly set diamonds. And if you are thinking of wearing your wrap just 'some of the time', you'll create more problems as the two rings abrade each other.
Gold or platinum? Well,
what do you really like? Don't choose a setting because it's trendy. Platinum is
definitely an heirloom precious metal. Gold
just has a glow. Platinum is
not well-suited to some styles (just ask!).
Here's a Special Offer!
Don't sweat it if you
want to put a diamond on her finger, but you don't want to be saddled with
choosing “the” ring! We'll set your diamond into a tiffany-style solitaire
in either white or yellow gold at our cost (usually around $100). And if,
anytime in the future, you wish to exchange that setting toward another setting,
we'll give you full credit.
Please e-mail us at bigskygold@imt.net for a free diamond brochure.