It’s not every day you shop for a diamond. From an engagement ring to a thoughtful gift to celebrate a special occasion, diamonds are a symbol of love and commitment, so you want to make sure you’re getting a quality stone that makes an impression, but also makes sense for your budget and style. Before you start shopping, take a minute to read through our guide on how to buy diamonds the smart way.
How to Buy Diamonds | Jared
How to Buy Diamonds
Remember the 4 Cs
The 4 Cs are the standards by which all diamonds are judged. A professional jeweler can help you navigate the diamond classification system and choose a stone that balances the 4 Cs to fit your unique needs. The quality of every diamond is based on a combination of:
Cut
Considered the most important aspect towards determining diamond quality, the cut refers to the quality of a diamond’s angles, proportions, symmetrical facets, brilliance, fire, scintillation and finishing details. These factors all impact a diamond’s overall sparkle.
Color
Color is graded in terms of how white or colorless a diamond is. For a standard diamond, the ideal color is none at all.
Clarity
Evaluates how clean a diamond is from both inclusions (interior) and blemishes (exterior).
Carat
Refers to the weight of the diamond, not the size. For example, a 1-carat diamond weights between .95-1.11 grams. Depending on the diamond shape and cut, two 1-carat diamonds could be very different in size.
Consider Your Budget
A clear budget can help you prioritize when you’re shopping for a diamond. If price were no object, you could potentially spend upwards of $20,000 on the most flawless stone available. For most people, that isn’t necessary. You can get a beautiful diamond for much less—you just have to know what you want.
Not sure how much you “should” spend on an engagement ring ? Maybe you’ve heard generic advice like you should be spending three months’ worth of your salary on an engagement ring or the bigger the diamond, the more expensive it is, but price can vary wildly based on the 4 Cs listed above and the style of jewelry you want. Narrow your search by setting your budget as early as possible and sticking to it.
Don't Rush
You don’t have to buy the first diamond you see. Instead, shop around, browse and get acquainted with your options. Diamond jewelry is meant to be an investment so why rush into it? Enjoy the process of looking for a diamond that embodies everything it symbolizes to you. That way you’ll feel confident with your purchase and be happy with your choice.
