A Man's Guide to Buying a Diamond Ring
June 30, 2011, By Kasie Baltes 0 comments
Diamonds have a way of making men sweat. This sparkling little rock has the power to make the heart race and can empty your bank account in a matter of seconds. Sure, they all sparkle and look nice, but do you really know what you're buying? Buying a diamond can be confusing and stressful, so here are four tips to keep you from walking out of the jewelry store with a really expensive piece of cubic zirconia.
1. Know the Four C's of Diamonds
Unless you're a gemologist, most diamonds look alike, but they're not all created equal. To distinguish one from the next, remember the four c’s: cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Knowing these classifications can ensure you get the most sparkle for your buck.
Cut. The cut of the diamond is typically confused with the shape of the diamond. The cut largely refers to the proportions of the diamond and is what makes the diamond shine and glisten in light. The cut is graded on a scale ranging from excellent to poor based on the diamond's top facets and how light is reflected and dispersed throughout it. There are typically three different types of cuts: deep, ideal and shallow. If a cut is too deep or shallow, the light reflects through the side and bottom, while the ideal cut reflects light throughout the diamond and is what makes it sparkle in light.
Clarity. The clarity of the diamond depends on the amount of flaws or imperfections found when viewed under 10x magnifications. This rating ranges from internally flawless to small inclusions. It is rare to find a truly flawless diamond, so it is important to find a diamond that you perceive to be flawless while mounted on a ring. This is usually a diamond with very slight or minor inclusions.
Color. The color is graded to which degree the diamond is colorless and is based on scale D to Z with D as the highest grade. A colorless diamond is the most expensive, while typical diamonds have slight tones of yellow and brown.
Carat Weight. The carat weight is the most well-known classification and covers the overall size of the diamond. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams and is a measurement of size.
2. Know Your Budget
Regardless of the four c’s, you need to make a decision that is specific to your taste and your budget. You should look for the diamond that has the best grades within your budget and be sure to do your research before forking over the cash. Look at the diamond’s Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gemological Society (AGS-USA) certificate that breaks down the ratings in each classification, and, more importantly, tells you where the diamond comes from. The origin is important to ensure that you aren't buying a conflict diamond (click the link to learn more) or a diamond that, in the words of the United Nations, was mined “from areas that are controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments.”
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