5 Tips on What To Look For When Buying Diamonds For Wedding Rings
A wedding, or an engagement in Brooktondale, is one of the most important events in every couple’s life. One of the best ways of making the experience memorable is by choosing the right ring to symbolize the love you have for one another. While most couples would like to get the most beautiful ring they can lay their hands on, budgetary restrictions can be a challenge. However, it is possible to find an ideal ring based on your budget.
For anyone looking for precious diamonds for engagement rings and wedding rings in Brooktondale, they should consider going about the process carefully. There are various dealers in the market, some of who may sell you fake diamonds. Here are a few useful tips on what to look for when looking for precious diamonds for engagement or wedding rings.
Consider the Diamond Cut
1. Any expert will tell you that the cut is the most important thing to consider when buying diamonds in Brooktondale. The main reason behind this is that the cut usually influences the sparkle. A diamond may be clear and feature a high quality color grade, but if the cut is poor, it may still appear dull. The dealer you buy from should be able to cut your diamond in the proper proportions. If your budget can allow it, choose a diamond with the highest cut grade.
Diamond Color
2. Contrary to common belief, lack of color in your diamonds denotes a higher color grade. Some people go for pale yellow diamond, without knowing that it is low quality. To avoid such an experience, ask the diamond dealer to give you grade H or higher. Near colorless diamond ranges from grade G to J, but it may be quite expensive.
Clarity Diamonds can also be chosen based on their clarity levels.
3. This is usually not a very important factor to consider, considering that the precious stones usually come with imperfections, known as inclusions. These tiny imperfections may not be easy to detect, and they may only be seen through a microscope. However, the fewer there are, the higher the clarity grade of your diamonds. If your budget can be stretched further, consider buying grade VS1 grade or higher.
Consider the Diamond’s Carat Weight
4. Unlike common belief, carat does not mean the size of the diamond, but its actual weight. Carat and cut must be considered side by side, because no matter the size of the diamond, a poor cut grade can make your precious stones look smaller. Another important fact to keep in mind is that the more the weight of the diamond, the more you will pay for it. Therefore, you should consider going for a less heavy stone with a high grade cut.
Ask for Proof of Certification
5. There is nothing as unfortunate as buying diamonds for your special event only to realize that they are of poor quality, or that they were stolen. To avoid such an eventuality, always ask the dealer in Brooktondale to show you the copy of diamond certification.
With these tips, you should be able to make the right choice when buying precious diamonds in Brooktondale for you engagement or wedding.
Brooktondale How to Buy a Diamond And The 4 Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Diamond
In an ideal world with unlimited budgets and an infinite supply of diamonds, everyone would have beautifully cut "D Flawless" diamonds. In the real world every diamond is unique. There are plenty of gorgeous diamonds to go around - you just need to know how to find one. Choosing a diamond is about balancing several factors to make the most of your budget. Each factor contributes to the beauty and prestige of your diamond. I will explain these factors so you will be prepared to make an informed decision about your diamond purchase.
FACTOR 1: CARAT WEIGHT
People often use the word Carat when discussing how big a diamond is, however "Carat" actually refers to the weight of a diamond. There is no rule as to what carat weight you should buy, but you'll doubtless have heard that "bigger is better." If you ask me, I think bigger is great but you shouldn't forget about the other aspects of a diamond's quality.
A useful tip: if you're looking at Certified Diamonds, you may find it valuable to compare the diameters of different diamonds. Since every diamond is individually cut, some may appear larger than others of the same weight.
FACTOR 2: SHAPE
Approximately 75% of diamonds sold worldwide are Round Brilliants. Rounds diamonds are the most popular, most brilliant, and most expensive. If you are purchasing a diamond as a surprise, Round Brilliant is generally your safest bet.
There is no real hierarchy of shapes being better or worse - it is truly a matter of personal preference. Princess Cuts are the second most popular, and a classic alternative to round diamonds. Cushion Cuts are trendy and have a beautiful vintage look. If you want something different but not too crazy, try an Oval Cut, Asscher Cut, or Radiant Cut diamond.
While no shape is better, there are some significant differences between shapes. Take for example, the radiant cut vs the emerald cut. Though they are a similar shape, the extra facets of the radiant cut give it additional fire and sparkle. If you prefer the emerald cut's understated elegance, consider that it's easier to spot any imperfections and select a higher clarity grade.
Another tip: Diamonds (even round diamonds) may not be perfectly symmetrical. It's nothing to worry about if your diamond's width does not precisely match its height, but if your diamond is much longer than it is wide it may not be what you're expecting. This is especially the case in shapes like Cushion and Oval, where a more asymmetrical diamond might look "skinny", with much of the fire and brilliance concentrated at the ends.
FACTOR 3: CUT
"Cut" refers to a diamond's finish and proportions, and is critical in determining its beauty. Getting the angles right ensures a beautiful diamond that's full of life. In many cases it can be more difficult to spot flaws in a fiery, brilliant diamond. Cut is generally graded in five categories: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Excellent. Excellent is the highest graded awarded by GIA (whereas other labs may use terms like "ideal" or numbers like "0"). If you want to play safe, stick to "Very Good" and "Excellent" cuts when you choose your diamond.
FACTOR 4: CLARITY
Almost all diamonds have naturally¬ occurring features called "inclusions." Inclusions form as the diamond crystallizes deep underground, and they are unique to each diamond. They take many different forms, and can help you identify a diamond as your own. However, large and prominent inclusions can detract from the beauty of a diamond.
There are many different types of inclusions, and not all are created equal. If your diamond certificate has an "inclusion map," check where the inclusions are. Try to find a diamond with inclusions near the edge where they will be masked by sparkle or hidden by the setting of your diamond. If your budget is limited, I recommend buying "SI" clarity or better. "SI" stands for "Slightly Included." With close inspection you can usually spot the inclusions in an SI¬ graded diamond, but these inclusions will most likely not be visible once your diamond is set in jewellery. If you want to be sure your diamond will look "eye clean", even up close, I recommend selecting a VS2 clarity diamond or better. "VS" stands for "Very Slight Inclusion," and imperfections in VS clarity stones are rarely seen by the naked eye.
FACTOR 5: COLOUR
The term "colour" usually refers to how much warm tint is in a diamond. The scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (very strongly tinted yellow or brown). Pure white diamonds are considered more desirable, and are more expensive. Warmer¬-hued diamonds (such as K, L, and M) are not necessarily less attractive, but they are significantly less valuable.
Conventional wisdom is to select J colour or better. Personally, I love G and H colour diamonds ¬- they hit the "sweet spot" where most people will not notice colour in the diamond unless they're doing a direct comparison. However, an I or J colour diamond that is well cut and has a lot of life can give you a beautiful diamond at a bargain price.
Depending on how they are cut, different diamonds will display colour differently. This is why colour grades are assigned by looking at a diamond upside¬down. Generally, more¬ brilliant diamonds show their colour less than less brilliant diamonds.
FACTOR 6: FLUORESCENCE
Fluorescence has a bad rep, and most of it is unfair. Diamond Fluorescence refers to how a diamond responds when subjected to ultra¬violet light. Fluorescent diamonds can glow any one of several colours, but the most common is blue. In rare cases fluorescence can cause your diamond to have a milky appearance when viewed in direct daylight. This is most often the case with strong or very strong fluorescence and D/E/F colour diamonds.
However, there are many, many more cases where blue fluorescence is a positive thing. Imagine you were shining a blue light on a yellow diamond... the blue tint can make your diamond look whiter. If your diamond falls in the "near colourless," "lightly tinted," or "tinted" range I recommend looking for medium blue or faint blue fluorescence.
Warning: Green, red, and yellow fluorescence are rare, and they will not have the same benefit. If you are interested in a diamond that has strong blue, very strong blue, green, red, or yellow fluorescence, I recommend asking your salesperson to show you your diamond outside in natural daylight. If you're buying online, contact the seller prior to making your purchase so they can examine the diamond first in natural daylight.
FACTOR 7: GRADER
This should always be your first question: Says who? Every diamond grading laboratory has different standards, so comparing diamonds graded by different sources is extremely unreliable. One grader might grade a diamond K SI2, and another might call that same diamond F VS2. I know that sounds crazy, but I see it happen all the time.
The most reputable and consistent grading laboratories are GIA, AGS, IGI, and HRD. GIA is considered the global standard worldwide. AGS is a popular alternative in the U.S.A. while IGI and HRD are more common in Europe.
EGL is tricky because there are EGL labs all over the world, and some of them do a great job while others can be less reliable. We strongly recommend caution when buying an EGL certified diamond unless it's from EGL-¬USA.
Many diamonds are assigned grades by valuation companies and in-¬house graders. If your diamond does not come with a report from a major laboratory, you should always ask where the grader trained. He or she should be certified by a major grading laboratory: GIA, AGS, IGI, or HRD. Be smart and be cautious about reports done by uncertified shop owners, salespeople, or valuation companies.
SELECTING YOUR DIAMOND
You can choose to purchase your diamond online, or from a retail store. If you prefer to purchase your diamond in a retail store, avoid the big chains and shop with smaller independent jewellers. Many independent jewellers are actually significantly less expensive than their large competitors. (You don't have to take my word for it - shop around and you'll quickly learn that this is true). This way you'll buy a better quality diamond and - if you wish - you'll have the opportunity to design your own hand-made engagement ring setting.
If you choose to shop online, I would recommend comparing prices and service across several websites. Be sure that the company ships from your country - otherwise you'll be hit with expensive duty and GST. Always make sure you call or e-mail customer service and have them hand-inspect your diamond before you complete your purchase. Sometimes a diamond may seem like a great deal, but it could have an unfortunate inclusion, asymmetrical cut, or be negatively impacted by fluoresence. And above all, make sure you have an easy and affordable way to return the diamond if it doesn't turn out as you'd hoped. Online shopping is the best way to get a great deal on a diamond for your engagement ring, diamond studs, or pendant - just review this article, be reasonably cautious, and have fun.
What Are Color Improved Diamonds as well as Are They For You?
Brooktondale
Not all vendors supply ruby grading laboratory reports (aka ruby quality reports) to their consumers. So my basic recommendations to you is to keep your loan in your pocket when taking care of such jewelry experts.
Only acquire a ruby engagement ring if it includes the initial diamond quality report.
A laboratory report is an independent evaluation of the 4Cs of a loosened ruby and includes an outlined layout of the rock's quality attributes as well as a graphic representation of the stone's proportions. Having such a report permits you to contrast rubies of different top qualities as well as eventually assists you make a more notified acquiring decision.
A seller might reduce corners and also not give a lab report or an underhanded seller may provide a phony one due to the time, problem and expenditure he'll bear to getting a rock rated.
Yeah - there is a rate for grading a ruby (though that cost is ultimately paid by the consumer), plus the shipping and also insurance fees for sending out the diamond to the lab. As well as let us not forget the chance price of a jeweler not having the ruby in his shop up for sale for a couple of weeks while the grading happens.
Nevertheless, a diamond grading record could likewise not be available since the costs to obtaining one might affect as well greatly on the final rate of the ring. As an example, a 0.3 ct diamond ring setting you back $250 say, might cost around $75 to be rated as well as have the report number inscribed on the girdle on the diamond. As you look for that excellent ruby interaction ring for your sweetie, you'll locate that there is an alphabet soup of labs asserting to supply reputable diamond grading reports. However I would only place my money on ...
The Premier Ruby Grading Laboratory Reports
Yes, all ruby top quality records are not produced equivalent. Within the sector, it is an agreement that the 2 top labs are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of The U.S.A.'s Gem Trade Laboratory) and also the AGS (American Treasure Society Laboratories).
The GCAL (Treasure Qualification and Guarantee Lab) also provides extremely pertained to records or "diamond certifications" as they are described by GCAL. The GIA has the toughest global credibility for self-reliance and also uniformity. As a result of their consistent color and clearness strictness standards, the globe's biggest and also most expensive diamonds have been sent there for rating decades. In 2006, GIA-GTL added a two-dimensional cut grading system for round fantastic rubies.
AGS makes use of the most strict cut requirements in the market. It uses a three-dimensional light efficiency metric that could quality several ruby shapes. Actually, it is the only cut grading system that is recognized by the scientific neighborhood.
Just what is even more, its Diamond Quality File utilizes an one-of-a-kind and also proprietary 0 to 10 grading system to evaluate the 4 Cs - a system which is less complicated to understand than GIA's grading system. In reality, AGS even goes the added action by equating their 0-10 score range to other types of ranking. For instance, the conventional VS1 diamond clarity ranking is a 3 on the AGS Ruby Quality Paper.
Diamond Coverage - The Drawbacks
1. Diamond grading is not standard or controlled as well as thus you might come across rate 2 laboratories that use looser guidelines to the tier 1 grading laboratories discussed over. If you acquire a ruby that has been graded by a tier 2 laboratory, you might end up paying extra for a lower top quality ruby. So for example, a diamond rated a "F" in shade at a rate 2 laboratory could get a G, H, or reduced shade rating at a more reliable laboratory. The market also discounts diamonds rated by minimal well-known labs by regarding 15-30% or even more. So either you only purchase a diamond rated by a tier 1 lab or you approve that you may be acquiring a lesser high quality ruby than exactly what is mentioned on the record if that ruby is graded by a minimal known laboratory.
2. Several large chain stores have significant agreements with lower well-known laboratories with "softer" diamond grading standards. A few of these softer laboratories placed "suggested substitute worths" on the lab records - worths which are above just what stores means market the diamonds for. So a salesman in a store may say to you, "Look at the good deal you are obtaining here. We are offering you this ruby interaction ring for $2500 however the record claims that the suggested replacement value is $4000." Wow - what a deal - NOT! This is why it is much better that you trust just independent rate 1 labs.
Likewise bear in mind that credible diamond grading reports are not evaluations as well as don't offer evaluation numbers. Diamond assessments are usually grossly inflated as well as are not something you'll desire to depend on.
3. Diamond records are riddled with disclaimers that specify that nothing is "certified" or guaranteed and also that the laboratories are not accountable for errors. In truth, the GIA supplies a please note of kinds on their website relating to making use of the word "license." The web site states:
"It is inaccurate to state that trainees, graduates, their businesses, or certain gems are "certified" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of The U.S.A. does not certify anybody or anything. Neither a trainee neither a grad that has actually been awarded a certificate or diploma, neither a gem which has actually been rated or recognized by GIA has actually been accredited by GIA".
So it is feasible that you the customer is left holding the bag must a mistake in a report is later on found. Courts have frequently ruled that sellers, not labs, are in charge of such errors. Why? Since the labs showed beforehand that their records could not be held responsible.
The good news is, there are a couple methods to offer yourself a lot more purchaser defense:
A. You might fly to India where jewelers use a lifetime buyback plan to their customers. Also expensive to fly?
B. You might discover among the 20% of United States jewelry experts that offer fully adhered diamonds. These are rubies that are marketed with lifetime breakage, lifetime trade-in as well as lifetime buyback policies.
C. Not as excellent a solution as getting a completely bonded diamond however you can purchase a ruby that comes with a real "certificate" and not a record. "Licensed rubies do include warranties" albeit for much shorter durations.
Certification Some vendors refer to a "diamond record" as a "certified ruby" but technically this is not correct. From a legal standpoint, a ruby report is a just an experienced opinion though in truth, aspects of a ruby rating record are not simply viewpoints.
As an example, a ruby's carat weight (weight) can be precisely established as well as its cut grade by measuring its optical performance or by referring to a computer model. A certificate on the other hand is a declaration of reality - a document for which the company accepts legal responsibility and also will certainly make restitution to the consumer for blunders.
Some leading ruby grading laboratories offer both reports as well as certificates. AGS offers Diamond Quality Documents (non-certified reports) and Diamond Quality Certificates. Ruby Quality Certificates are prepared specifically for AGS retail jewelry experts and offers warranties from taking part American Treasure Society participant shops.
GCAL certifies it's diamond grading also. Its 100% money-back guarantee plan stands for a period of 2 years from the date on the suitable certificate. This plan guarantees the precision of the cut, shade as well as clarity grades as well as the carat weight.
A record or certificate ought to will have a number on it that could or could not be engraved on a ruby. You will certainly have the ability to get in that number on the website of the accrediting lab to check a record's validity.
Elements Of A Diamond Grading Record Diamond rating records are constantly advancing however certain element needs to continue to be the same. For example, the:
The Report #. This number is offered and videotaped in a laboratory's record and may or may not be engraved on a diamond's band. You could enter the record number on a grading lab's site to examine the credibility of the diamond high quality report or to obtain more information concerning the diamond. Forming & Element Style: This is the synopsis as well as the reducing design made use of for the aspect setup. There are 3 standard aspect styles - "fantastic cut, step cut and also mixed reducing design" and 12 basic forms which include notables such as rounded dazzling as well as princess cut" diamonds.
Dimensions: This refers to dimension (not weight) of a ruby. Size consists of dimensions such as size, width, weight and also size. A dimension is generally detailed to the hundredth of a millimeter. Measurements play a huge function in exactly how a ruby shines.
Carat weight Weight: The weight of a diamond is determined to the hundredth of a carat weight and some also provide such action to the thousandth of a carat (1.123 ct.). Carat is the most unbiased as well as the most convenient to comprehend of the 4Cs because all one has to do is weight the rock. Color Grade: This informs you the level of shade absence in the diamond. The much less color the greater the grade.
Diamonds are normally rated from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the diamond. You need to never ever see ruby shade array such as (G-H, I-J-K, and so forth) on a ruby report. You need to just see color arrays on evaluations for rocks that are placed.
Quality Grade: Basically every diamond has actually inner flaws called additions and external blemishes called acnes. A diamond is rated inning accordance with the size, kind, area and also amount of these imperfections.
Clearness qualities vary from Perfect (FL) - Consisted Of. Labs use a pair professionals to grade the clarity of a ruby in order to come up with an extra precise reading.
Cut Quality: More recent ruby records include a cut quality for basic round fantastic diamonds. Cut considers the radiance, fire and scintillation of the diamond. Cut quality varies from Superb - Poor.
Various other components you may find on a ruby record consist of the gloss, proportion, fluorescence and also percentage. Equipped with this details, you are better able making an evaluation of the high quality of ruby that is mounted in an interaction ring.
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