Diamond Basics

The opportunity of buying diamonds online has appeared not long ago. Therefore, many people misbelieve the internet is no place to spend a substantial amount of money on what really costs much. However, as long as you know your diamonds, purchasing diamonds online is not only safe, but much easier on your pocket than buying at your local store. Moreover, buying diamonds online can save you 40% of it store cost or more.

Before start shopping, try to understand your diamond basics so as to get the best value at the best price.

Select diamonds according to the following ‘Four Cs’: Cut, Carat, Color, Clarity

Each of the Four Cs determines the cost and value of the diamond. Grades are introduced by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

To have a better idea we should take a brief look at what each of the Four Cs means:

Cut
Many jewelers regard cut a diamond’s most important feature because the brilliance of a diamond depends greatly on the way it is cut.
Cut should be distinguished from the shape of a diamond. Cut refers to the facets manufactured into a diamond. Proper cut gives a diamond the ability to catch and reflect light for that fiery sparkle. The term shape refers to the overall form of a diamond, such as square, round, oval, pear, heart-shaped, or rectangular diamonds.

Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat equates to200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams.

Color
Diamonds are valued according to their purity or whiteness. The most valuable and desirable are colorless diamonds because they reveal the most sparkle, by refracting more light. The more colorless the diamond is, the higher it’s grading and value are. Exception here are ‘fancy’ colored diamonds which are also very desirable.

Clarity
Clarity the degree to which a stone is free from external marks called blemishes and internal features called inclusions. The uppermost grade is ‘FL’ (flawless), the lowest, ‘I3’ (imperfect eye-visible inclusions).

Synthetic diamonds are a much more affordable alternative to natural diamonds. They are a relatively new entrant into the diamond market and. Synthetic diamonds should be distinguished from zircons. Bonded diamonds are sold by bonded jewel cutters, and come with a breakage policy. Examine such stones carefully to see if they may be a possible option.