A diamond is forever. I’m quite sure you have all heard of this. So, if the diamond you buy
remains with you forever, that means you have to make sure you choose the right one. Buying
your first diamond can be intimidating.
Am I choosing the right color, cut, clarity and carat weight? Am I paying the right price? Should
I go with a modern or a traditional design?
The Don’ts of Buying a Diamond Ring
These simple rules will help you get the best diamond ring for your needs:
Don’t Go Diamond Shopping without a budget in mind
Diamonds are not cheap. Let’s be honest from the start. To get an idea of what it would cost,
look online for an estimate.
Remember, most stores are open to price negotiations. There’s no harm asking the salesperson to
bring down the price. There’s a lot of competition among diamond retailers, so you might have
an advantage there.
Also, visit 2-3 shops before finalizing on one ring. This will give you a better understanding of
prices and designs.
Don’t Be Clueless
Is this the first time you are hearing of the 4C’s of diamond? In that case, here is what they mean:
Color- Diamonds are graded based on their color. The lighter the color, the better it grades. This
means that diamonds with a slight yellowish tint aren’t the best quality. The best quality is
diamonds graded between D-H. This also means they are the most expensive. However, very few
people can spot the difference in quality just by looking at a diamond so you can choose a lower
grade without feeling the pressure.
Clarity- Clarity refers to how clear and sparkly the diamond is. Diamonds above S12 clarity are
a good choice. Again, the difference wouldn't be quite obvious above S12.
Cut- The cut of a diamond can improve both its color and clarity. Cut refers to how the shape,
the symmetry, the angle and the placement of the diamond. Choose something around the J/S.I.2
grade. If you have budget constraints, you can go a few levels below the grade cut.
Carat Size- This shows how big the diamond is. When it comes to quality, the carat size is often
holds the least value. A smaller carat size might be better depending on the design and the look
of the ring. So, just concentrate more on the color, clarity and cut.
Don’t go alone
Especially if this is the first time you are going diamond shopping. Bring along a friend.
Who are you buying the diamond for? Is it going to that special ring?
If so, take someone along. Choose someone with a similar style as her. Another plus would be
choosing someone who has some basic knowledge of diamonds. This way they could help you
evaluate the cut, clarity and color.
Don’t insist on a certificate
A few years back, everyone buying a diamond was asking for a certificate. Even though a
certificate does make your purchase more authentic, many diamond retailers choose not to get
their diamonds certified. If you trust the shop, you don’t need a certificate. You can also get the
diamond certified on your own later if you want.
Consider getting insurance while you are certifying the diamond. This will protect you against
any theft or damage to your jewelry.
Happy Diamond Shopping! We hope this guide will make it easier for you to purchase that
special ring. You can also get your diamond online from ADA Diamonds. They have an amazing collection and great prices. Do check them out.
(Diamond Ring Image from ADAdiamonds.com )
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