Diamond Buying Guide

Diamonds are as unique as they are rare, so it should come as no surprise that not all diamonds are created equal. This can make shopping for a diamond, especially for the first time, seem overwhelming.
“Buying a diamond can be intimidating. Finding a beautiful diamond is easy; finding the right one for your taste and budget is more of a challenge,” states the American Gem Society. Luckily, this guide will take you through the many factors involved in finding the right diamond for you. Learning how to buy a diamond has never been so easy.

The Essential Diamond Buying Elements

  • The 4Cs: Carat (weight), Color, Clarity and Cut
  • A diamond’s unique Shape
  • Certification by a trusted Gem Lab
  • Knowing when to ask for help

Every polished diamond is valuable. However, a diamond’s characteristics determine how high we value it compared to other diamonds. Some qualities are more rare than others, and jewelry professionals use systematic grading scales to evaluate each stone. Grading systems developed by gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGS) set the standard. These and a few other laboratories represent the most trusted certifying bodies in the diamond industry.

The 4Cs are a big factor when it comes to evaluating a diamond. And having a good understanding of the 4Cs makes knowing how to buy a diamond an exciting and enjoyable experience. The individual characteristics of the diamond can play more or less of a role depending on the diamond’s specific shape, so knowing what shape you are shopping for will also play a big role in terms of knowing how to buy a diamond. Possessing key knowledge on how to buy a diamond, and having the certification to support a diamond’s grade, certainly, ensures the best purchasing experience. However, it is still important to know when to ask a professional for help. As much as you might read on the internet, you’ll never be able to acquire the knowledge that someone who has worked in the industry for years has accumulated, and you shouldn’t feel like you have to, either. So when you’re not sure what to think, know who to ask for help. The following key aspects serve as your detailed guide, allowing you to search, identify, and buy the perfect diamond with confidence.

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