When you’re shopping for something you’ve purchased before, you probably have a few items on your checklist. A wine collector might know the varietal or country of origin they tend to like. A sports memorabilia collector may have a favorite team, sport, city, or player. A family looking for a new car might have a brand and color in mind. Having some familiarity with the purchase process can help inform your buying decisions.
But what if the item in question is something you haven’t purchased before? In the examples above, the buyers already had some experience with the product they were shopping for. When you’re buying a diamond, you might not have any idea what constitutes a good diamond versus an exceptional one. That can make the process a whole lot more challenging and convoluted than it needs to be.
Thankfully, there is a simple and illuminating framework through which to view every diamond. The following four details can help you better understand any diamond, whether you’re looking for a stone for an engagement ring or simply learning more about one of the world’s most rare and sought-after gemstones. Read on to learn more!
Carat
Few details will impact your gemstone’s cost as much as carat. It might even be the first question you ask yourself when considering a gemstone. Carat is the scale jewelers use to measure a gemstone’s weight. The greater the carat, the heavier the stone.
Consider these tips when deciding what carat is best for your needs.
- There really is no one right or wrong carat size. In a high cost-of-living area, an average engagement ring could be over 1 carat. In another part of the country, the average might be slightly under 1 carat.
- Finger size matters. If the wearer has small fingers, a 1-carat gem could look massive in contrast. Consider the wearer’s finger size when shopping.
- Consider how the size of the ring lends itself to your preferred band style and stone cut. Not all sizes will work with every style.
Clarity
Have you ever seen a diamond that was absolutely stunning? You were probably looking at a stone with exceptionally high clarity. Clarity measures a gemstone’s purity based on the absence of flaws, blemishes, and defects. The actual rating of a stone’s clarity can be a little technical, and you’ll need a trained gemologist to assess a stone to know its true clarity. For our purposes, know that clarity is measured from Included, the lowest clarity grade, all the way up to Flawless/Internally Flawless, which is quite rare.
Keep these facts in mind when deciding on a diamond.
- Lower-clarity gemstones aren’t necessarily a bad option. You might actually be able to get a stone with nearly invisible flaws at a lower price and in a larger size. It’s not for everyone, but it is a potential option.
- It can be tempting to focus on finding the perfect stone, but truly perfect stones are quite rare. Instead, focus on “eye-clean” stones. Your gem doesn’t need to pass a professional inspection from a trained jeweler to be gorgeous and essentially flawless to the naked eye.
- Shape can impact clarity. Be sure to talk to your jeweler to understand how your preferred cut will impact the clarity and brilliance of your ring.
Color
The stereotypical diamond might be colorless or white, but you might be surprised to know that diamonds can come in all manner of colors. Yellow and brown are fairly common, but diamonds can also be red, blue, pink, green, or purple. These unique colors are typically much rarer, however, so expect to pay more if you do go that route.
Cut
The actual shape of your gemstone can vary considerably. Be sure to know what ring style you’re considering when determining the cut. Some stone cuts lend themselves better to certain ring styles than others, and some even complement the size and shape of the wearer’s fingers and palms.
Ask yourself what matters most when selecting a cut. An active lifestyle might lend itself more to a Round cut, whereas an Oval cut might be a good choice for someone with shorter fingers. If you’re unsure, ask one of our staff members for their opinion based on what matters most to you and your beloved.
Visit Village Jewelers
Are you looking to purchase a diamond? Come in and talk to Village Jewelers! Everyone’s diamond needs are unique, so partner with a jeweler who will work with you to find the right stone for your needs.
Our process is straightforward. We always strive to ensure your questions are answered and that you get the information and guidance you need. Come in to see us and find the diamond of your dreams!