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.