How To Buy a Diamond

There are many factors, which contribute to a diamond’s beauty and value as well as several treatments and enhancements to be aware of.

The basics known by most are the 4 C’s. They refer to cut, color clarity, and carat.

There are many opinions when determining these attributes of a diamond. It is always best to purchase a diamond from a reputable brick and mortar jeweler with a good track record in customer service. When purchasing a diamond of any considerable price the best choice is to request a diamond, which has been certified by an outside gemological laboratory. In a case such as this, the diamond has been examined and tested with specialized equipment by an individual or group with no personal connection to the retailer and they may determine how it measures up in the categories relating to the 4 C’s. As with most portions of diamond grading it is based on the opinion of the gemologist or gemologists performing the examination. This is not to say that it is just a guess but gemologist must use previously set guidelines to base an opinion so as it may be an opinion it is one that should not vary too much from one gemologist to the next. Some retail jewelers have there own in house gemological laboratories but it is advisable to avoid their use if possible unless you are completely confident in a non bias opinion of that jewelers diamond by that jeweler.