5 Tips on What To Look For When Buying Diamonds For Wedding Rings
A wedding, or an engagement in Clearlake, 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 Clearlake, 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 Clearlake. 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 Clearlake 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 Clearlake for you engagement or wedding.
Clearlake How to Buy a Diamond And The 4 Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Diamond
Not all sellers supply diamond grading laboratory reports (aka ruby top quality reports) to their consumers. So my general recommendations to you is to keep your cash in your pocket when dealing with such jewelers.
Just buy a diamond involvement ring if it has the original diamond quality record.
A laboratory report is an independent evaluation of the 4Cs of a loosened diamond as well as consists of a plotted layout of the rock's quality characteristics and also a visuals representation of the rock's proportions. Having such a record enables you to contrast diamonds of different high qualities and ultimately aids you make an even more informed purchasing choice.
A seller might cut edges as well as not provide a laboratory record or a dishonest seller may offer a phony one due to the time, trouble and expenditure he'll bear to getting a stone graded.
Yeah - there is a cost for rating a ruby (though that price is eventually paid by the customer), plus the shipping and insurance policy costs for sending the ruby to the lab. And also let us not forget the possibility expense of a jeweler not having the ruby in his shop available for a few weeks while the grading takes area.
Nonetheless, a diamond grading report could additionally not be offered due to the fact that the prices to getting one might influence also heavily on the last rate of the ring. For instance, a 0.3 ct diamond ring setting you back $250 state, might set you back around $75 to be rated and also have the report number etched on the band on the ruby. As you search for that perfect diamond engagement ring for your sweetheart, you'll discover that there is an alphabet soup of labs asserting to offer reputable ruby grading records. Yet I would only put my money on ...
The Premier Ruby Grading Laboratory Reports
Yes, all diamond high quality records are not developed equal. Within the sector, it is an agreement that both premier labs are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of America's Gem Profession Lab) and also the AGS (American Treasure Society Laboratories).
The GCAL (Gem Certification and also Assurance Laboratory) likewise offers extremely regarded reports or "ruby certificates" as they are referred to by GCAL. The GIA has the best global reputation for self-reliance and also uniformity. As a result of their consistent color and also clarity strictness standards, the globe's biggest and most expensive rubies have actually been sent out there for rating years. In 2006, GIA-GTL added a two-dimensional cut grading system for round dazzling diamonds.
AGS uses the strictest cut requirements in the industry. It utilizes a three-dimensional light performance metric that can grade several diamond shapes. In fact, it is the only cut grading system that is identified by the scientific area.
What is more, its Diamond High quality Document makes use of an unique and also exclusive 0 to 10 grading system to examine the 4 Cs - a system which is simpler to understand than GIA's grading system. As a matter of fact, AGS even goes the extra action by corresponding their 0-10 rating range to other forms of score. As an example, the conventional VS1 diamond clarity rating is a 3 on the AGS Diamond Top Quality Record.
Ruby Reporting - The Drawbacks
1. Ruby grading is not standard or controlled and also thus you could discover rate 2 laboratories that employ looser guidelines to the tier 1 grading laboratories mentioned above. If you acquire a ruby that has been graded by a rate 2 laboratory, you may end up paying more for a lesser quality diamond. So for example, a ruby ranked a "F" in color at a tier 2 lab could obtain a G, H, or reduced color ranking at a more reliable lab. The sector additionally marks down rubies graded by minimal known labs by concerning 15-30% or more. So either you only get a ruby rated by a rate 1 lab or you accept that you may be getting a minimal high quality diamond than just what is stated on the report if that ruby is graded by a lower known laboratory.
2. Numerous large store have big agreements with lesser well-known laboratories with "softer" diamond grading guidelines. A few of these softer labs placed "suggested replacement worths" on the laboratory records - worths which are greater than what stores intends offer the rubies for. So a sales representative in a chain store might state to you, "Consider the lot you are obtaining here. We are offering you this ruby interaction ring for $2500 however the report says that the suggested replacement value is $4000." Wow - exactly what an offer - NOT! This is why it is much better that you trust just independent rate 1 labs.
Likewise bear in mind that reputable diamond grading reports are not evaluations as well as don't offer evaluation figures. Ruby evaluations are often grossly inflated as well as are not something you'll intend to depend on.
3. Ruby reports are riddled with disclaimers that define that absolutely nothing is "certified" or guaranteed which the labs are not accountable for errors. Actually, the GIA supplies a please note of types on their internet site regarding the usage of words "certify." The site says:
"It is incorrect to state that pupils, grads, their companies, or specific gems are "certified" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of America does not certify anybody or anything. Neither a trainee neither a graduate who has actually been awarded a certificate or diploma, neither a gem which has been graded or identified by GIA has been certified by GIA".
So it is feasible that you the customer is left holding the bag needs to a mistake in a record is later on uncovered. Courts have regularly ruled that sellers, not laboratories, are accountable for such errors. Why? Because the labs suggested in advance that their reports couldn't be held accountable.
Thankfully, there are a couple means to provide on your own extra purchaser defense:
A. You can fly to India where jewelers supply a life time buyback plan to their clients. Too costly to fly?
B. You can discover among the 20% of United States jewelers who offer totally bonded diamonds. These are diamonds that are offered with lifetime damage, life time trade-in and life time buyback policies.
C. Not as excellent a remedy as buying a totally bonded diamond yet you might acquire a ruby that includes an actual "certification" and also not a report. "Certified diamonds do come with guaranties" albeit for shorter durations.
Accreditation Some sellers describe a "diamond report" as a "qualified diamond" yet technically this is not remedy. From a lawful standpoint, a diamond report is a merely an experienced viewpoint though in reality, elements of a ruby grading record are not just point of views.
For instance, a diamond's carat (weight) can be properly identified in addition to its cut quality by measuring its optical performance or by referring to a computer system version. A certificate on the various other hand is a declaration of reality - a record for which the company approves legal obligation as well as will make restitution to the customer for mistakes.
Some leading diamond grading labs supply both reports as well as certifications. AGS provides Diamond Top quality Records (non-certified reports) as well as Diamond High quality Certificates. Ruby Top quality Certifications are ready exclusively for AGS retail jewelers as well as uses guaranties from participating American Treasure Society member stores.
GCAL accredits it's ruby grading additionally. Its 100% money-back warranty policy is valid for a period of 2 years from the date on the appropriate certification. This plan guarantees the precision of the cut, color and clearness qualities as well as the carat weight.
A report or certification should will certainly have a number on it that could or could not be etched on a ruby. You will certainly be able to go into that number on the website of the certifying laboratory to check a record's validity.
Components Of A Diamond Grading Record Ruby rating reports are always evolving yet particular component should continue to be the very same. For example, the:
The Report #. This number is provided and tape-recorded in a laboratory's record as well as could or might not be inscribed on a diamond's girdle. You could get in the report number on a rating lab's site to inspect the authenticity of the ruby top quality report or to obtain even more information about the diamond. Shape & Aspect Style: This is the summary and also the reducing style used for the element setup. There are 3 fundamental element styles - "dazzling cut, action cut as well as mixed reducing design" and also 12 basic shapes that include notables such as round brilliant and also princess cut" diamonds.
Dimensions: This refers to dimension (not weight) of a ruby. Dimension consists of measurements such as size, width, weight and size. A measurement is normally detailed to the hundredth of a millimeter. Dimensions play a massive duty in just how a diamond shines.
Carat weight Weight: The weight of a diamond is gauged to the hundredth of a carat as well as some also give such measure to the thousandth of a carat (1.123 ct.). Carat is one of the most objective and also the easiest to recognize of the 4Cs due to the fact that all one needs to do is weight the stone. Color Quality: This informs you the level of color lack in the ruby. The much less shade the greater the grade.
Diamonds are typically graded from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the ruby. You need to never see diamond shade array such as (G-H, I-J-K, and so forth) on a ruby record. You must just see color ranges on assessments for stones that are installed.
Clarity Quality: Essentially every ruby has actually internal imperfections called inclusions as well as outside blemishes called imperfections. A diamond is rated according to the size, kind, place as well as quantity of these defects.
Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) - Consisted Of. Labs make use of a pair experts to grade the clarity of a ruby in order to create an extra precise reading.
Cut Quality: Much more recent diamond reports include a cut quality for basic round brilliant diamonds. Cut thinks about the brilliance, fire and scintillation of the diamond. Cut quality ranges from Outstanding - Poor.
Other components you could come across on a diamond report consist of the polish, proportion, fluorescence as well as proportion. Armed with this information, you are much better able to make an assessment of the quality of ruby that is installed in an involvement ring.
What You Required To Know When Buying a Ruby Ring
Clearlake
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.
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