Buying a diamond piece of jewelry can be complicated with all the considerations you have to make.  First-time buyers go through a tough time deciding on which perfect piece to purchase.

If you’re in that situation right now, we’ve got you covered with this simple but comprehensive diamond buying guide.

You will know all you got to know so you can make a wiser purchase without having to waste on an important investment.

Select the Shape of Your Diamond

The shape of your diamond defines the whole jewelry unless you are buying a loose diamond.  Especially for rings, the perfect shape is one that suits your preference.  Here are the different shapes of a diamond that you can choose from:

• Round
• Oval
• Cushion cut
• Princess
• Emerald
• Pear
• Asscher
• Heart
• Radiant
• Marquise

Round shape diamonds, which are the top choice for engagement rings give off the most brilliance.  The second most popular shape is the Princess Cut which is also designed for maximum brilliance.

Choose the Carat Weight of Your Diamond

Carat weight measures a diamond’s weight and size.  Hence, they impact how large a diamond looks.  They are divided into points such that there are 100 points in a carat.  Large diamonds, which are rare, have a greater value per carat.

The carat weight of your diamond should depend on the size of the jewelry where it will be placed.  You would want to choose a diamond that’s noticeable but not overbearing.  You will also consider that you will have to spend more on a higher carat weight because the price increases as carat weight increases.

Get Excellent and Ideal Cut Diamonds

The cut of a diamond piece refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond that determine it’s true brilliance and beauty.  Well-cut diamonds have the highest value.  Although cut grades are standardized, the most recommended cuts are the excellent and ideal cuts.

If you like a piece of diamond with the most brilliance, the round excellent or ideal cut is a perfect choice.

The Whiter the Diamond, the Better

White-colored diamonds are the most popular although you can get diamonds with different color ranges.  Diamonds are graded according to a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranging from D (colorless) to Z.

Color differences are very hard to detect with the naked eye so you should depend on a professional jeweler to help you determine the color grade of your preference.  Take note though that the more colorless the diamond, the more costly it will be.  Get a balance of the overall appearance of the diamond with the price.

Eye Clean Diamonds:  The Recommended Clarity Grade

The clarity grade of a diamond determines the absence of blemishes or inclusions.  Eye-clean diamonds are those that may have inclusions when they are viewed under a magnifying glass but are not visible to the naked eye.

The clarity scale established by the GIA contains 11 grades for clarity, with most diamonds falling into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) grades.  Flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare.

Clarity also impacts the price of a diamond, so considering you have chosen the shape of your diamond and you are comparing diamonds with different clarity grades, it is recommended that you choose the lower graded diamond that is eye-clean which you can pay for much less than a higher clarity-graded diamond.

Make Sure the Diamond is GIA and AGS Certified

One important step that will give you peace of mind from your diamond purchase is to make sure that it has a report from The American Gem Society laboratories and is GIA-certified.

These are official documents that outline the origins, authenticity, and quality of the diamond you are buying.  A reputable diamond jeweler and dealer should be able to provide this documentation.

Research and Use Caution When Buying a Diamond

Purchasing a high-quality diamond piece involves a lot of research and caution.  The best way to ensure you receive trusted and personalized advice without misleading sales pitches is to choose a diamond dealer who demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and has an established reputation.

We hope this diamond buying guide will help make your diamond buying experience relaxing and fun while you choose the perfect diamond that will adorn you for years to come.