5 Tips on What To Look For When Buying Diamonds For Wedding Rings
A wedding, or an engagement in Homewood, 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 Homewood, 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 Homewood. 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 Homewood 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 Homewood for you engagement or wedding.
Homewood How to Buy a Diamond And The 4 Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Diamond
Not all sellers supply diamond grading lab records (also known as ruby high quality reports) to their customers. So my basic recommendations to you is to keep your loan in your pocket when handling such jewelers.
Only purchase a ruby engagement ring if it comes with the original diamond top quality record.
A lab record is an independent analysis of the 4Cs of a loosened diamond and also includes a plotted representation of the rock's clearness attributes as well as a graphic depiction of the stone's proportions. Having such a report permits you to compare rubies of various high qualities and also eventually helps you make an even more educated purchasing decision.
A store might cut corners and not supply a laboratory record or a deceitful seller might offer a fake one as a result of the time, problem as well as cost he'll bear to getting a stone graded.
Yeah - there is a price for rating a ruby (though that price is at some point paid by the consumer), plus the delivery and also insurance coverage charges for sending the diamond to the laboratory. As well as let us not neglect the opportunity expense of a jeweler not having the diamond in his shop available for a couple of weeks while the grading occurs.
Nevertheless, a diamond rating record might likewise not be available because the expenses to getting one might affect as well heavily on the final cost of the ring. For instance, a 0.3 ct diamond ring costing $250 state, could cost around $75 to be rated as well as have the record number etched on the girdle on the diamond. As you search for that perfect ruby involvement ring for your sweetie, you'll discover that there is a hodgepodge of labs asserting to supply credible diamond grading reports. However I would just put my money on ...
The Premier Diamond Grading Lab Reports
Yes, all diamond quality records are not created equivalent. Within the market, it is an agreement that the 2 premier 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 (Gem Accreditation and also Assurance Laboratory) likewise provides very pertained to reports or "diamond certificates" as they are referred to by GCAL. The GIA has the best international credibility for independence and uniformity. Because of their continuous color and quality strictness guidelines, the globe's biggest and most costly diamonds have actually been sent there for rating years. In 2006, GIA-GTL added a two-dimensional cut grading system for rounded brilliant rubies.
AGS utilizes the strictest cut requirements in the sector. It uses a three-dimensional light performance metric that could quality a number of diamond forms. As a matter of fact, it is the only cut grading system that is recognized by the clinical neighborhood.
Just what is more, its Ruby High quality Document utilizes an one-of-a-kind and also proprietary 0 to 10 grading system to assess the 4 Cs - a system which is easier to understand compared to GIA's grading system. In reality, AGS even goes the extra action by corresponding their 0-10 ranking scale to other types of score. As an example, the standard VS1 ruby clarity ranking is a 3 on the AGS Diamond Quality Paper.
Diamond Reporting - The Drawbacks
1. Diamond grading is not standard or controlled and therefore you may stumble upon tier 2 laboratories that utilize looser guidelines to the tier 1 grading laboratories stated over. If you acquire a ruby that has actually been graded by a tier 2 lab, you might wind up paying more for a lesser top quality diamond. So for instance, a ruby rated a "F" in color at a rate 2 lab could obtain a G, H, or lower color rating at an extra reputable laboratory. The sector also discounts diamonds rated by lesser well-known laboratories by about 15-30% or even more. So either you just acquire a ruby rated by a tier 1 laboratory or you accept that you may be buying a minimal quality ruby compared to what is mentioned on the record if that ruby is rated by a minimal recognized lab.
2. Several huge chain stores have huge contracts with lesser well-known laboratories with "softer" diamond grading standards. Some of these softer laboratories placed "suggested substitute worths" on the laboratory records - values which are greater than just what stores plans market the diamonds for. So a salesperson in a chain shop may claim to you, "Check out the large amount you are obtaining right here. We are offering you this diamond interaction ring for $2500 yet the record claims that the suggested replacement value is $4000." Wow - just what an offer - NOT! This is why it is much better that you trust just independent tier 1 labs.
Additionally keep in mind that credible diamond grading reports are not assessments and don't use assessment figures. Ruby evaluations are typically grossly inflated and also are not something you'll want to rely upon.
3. Ruby reports are filled with please notes that specify that nothing is "certified" or ensured which the laboratories are not responsible for mistakes. As a matter of fact, the GIA supplies a please note of types on their internet site regarding making use of words "certify." The site states:
"It is inaccurate to state that pupils, grads, their businesses, or certain gems are "licensed" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of America does not license any individual or anything. Neither a trainee neither a graduate that has been granted a certification or diploma, neither a gem which has been rated or recognized by GIA has actually been licensed by GIA".
So it is feasible that you the customer is left holding the bag ought to an error in a record is later uncovered. Courts have actually regularly ruled that vendors, not labs, are liable for such mistakes. Why? Because the labs showed ahead of time that their reports couldn't be held responsible.
Thankfully, there are a pair ways to offer yourself a lot more customer protection:
A. You can fly to India where jewelers use a life time buyback plan to their clients. Too pricey to fly?
B. You can find among the 20% people jewelry experts who offer completely bonded rubies. These are diamonds that are marketed with life time breakage, lifetime trade-in and also lifetime buyback plans.
C. Not as good a solution as acquiring a totally bound ruby but you could get a ruby that has a real "certificate" and also not a report. "Licensed diamonds do come with warranties" albeit for much shorter durations.
Qualification Some sellers describe a "ruby report" as a "qualified diamond" however technically this is not deal with. From a legal standpoint, a ruby report is a merely a skilled opinion though in reality, aspects of a ruby rating record are not just opinions.
For instance, a ruby's carat (weight) can be precisely determined along with its cut quality by determining its optical performance or by describing a computer system design. A certification on the various other hand is a statement of truth - a record for which the company approves legal responsibility as well as will certainly make restitution to the consumer for blunders.
Some top ruby grading laboratories provide both reports and also certificates. AGS supplies Ruby High quality Documents (non-certified records) and Diamond Top quality Certificates. Ruby High quality Certificates are ready exclusively for AGS retail jewelers as well as provides warranties from participating American Treasure Culture participant stores.
GCAL certifies it's ruby grading likewise. Its 100% money-back assurance plan stands for a period of 2 years from the day on the suitable certification. This plan guarantees the precision of the cut, color and also quality qualities and the carat weight.
A report or certification must will certainly have a number on it that might or may not be engraved on a diamond. You will have the ability to go into that number on the internet site of the licensing lab to check a record's validity.
Elements Of A Ruby Grading Record Ruby grading records are constantly evolving yet certain aspect ought to continue to be the exact same. For circumstances, the:
The Record #. This number is given and also recorded in a laboratory's record as well as may or could not be etched on a diamond's band. You can go into the record number on a rating lab's web site to check the authenticity of the diamond quality report or to obtain more details regarding the ruby. Shape & Aspect Design: This is the rundown and also the cutting style used for the aspect plan. There are 3 fundamental facet designs - "great cut, step cut and mixed reducing style" and 12 fundamental forms which include notables such as round fantastic and princess cut" rubies.
Measurements: This refers to dimension (not weight) of a ruby. Size includes measurements such as length, size, weight and also diameter. A measurement is normally provided to the hundredth of a millimeter. Measurements play a substantial role in exactly how a ruby shines.
Carat Weight: The weight of a diamond is determined to the hundredth of a carat and also some even supply such measure to the thousandth of a carat (1.123 ct.). Carat is the most objective and the easiest to comprehend of the 4Cs since all one has to do is weight the rock. Color Grade: This tells you the degree of shade absence in the ruby. The less shade the greater the grade.
Rubies are normally graded from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the diamond. You should never see ruby color variety such as (G-H, I-J-K, and more) on a ruby report. You should just see shade ranges on evaluations for rocks that are mounted.
Clearness Grade: Essentially every diamond has actually interior imperfections called incorporations and also exterior imperfections called acnes. A diamond is rated according to the dimension, type, place as well as quantity of these problems.
Quality grades vary from Perfect (FL) - Included. Labs utilize a pair professionals to quality the clarity of a diamond in order to generate a much more accurate analysis.
Cut Quality: More recent diamond reports include a cut quality for standard round brilliant rubies. Cut takes into account the sparkle, fire and scintillation of the ruby. Cut quality ranges from Outstanding - Poor.
Other aspects you could encounter on a ruby record include the polish, proportion, fluorescence as well as proportion. Equipped with this details, you are better able making an assessment of the quality of ruby that is mounted in an engagement ring.
Clarity Boosted Diamonds - Some Points You Should Know!
Homewood
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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