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
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 You Had to Know When Getting a Ruby Ring
Homewood
Not all sellers supply diamond grading laboratory records (also known as ruby high quality reports) to their consumers. So my basic suggestions to you is to keep your cash in your pocket when dealing with such jewelry experts.
Just buy a ruby involvement ring if it has the original diamond quality report.
A laboratory record is an independent evaluation of the 4Cs of a loosened ruby as well as includes a plotted representation of the rock's quality characteristics and a visuals representation of the stone's proportions. Having such a record permits you to contrast diamonds of various top qualities and also eventually aids you make an even more informed purchasing choice.
A store could reduce corners and not offer a laboratory report or an unscrupulous seller could supply a phony one due to the fact that of the time, problem as well as cost he'll birth to obtaining a stone rated.
Yeah - there is a rate for grading a diamond (though that expense is ultimately paid by the customer), plus the shipping as well as insurance policy fees for sending the ruby to the lab. As well as allow us not forget the opportunity cost of a jewelry expert not having the ruby in his shop for sale for a few weeks while the grading takes place.
However, a ruby rating record may also not be offered due to the fact that the expenses to getting one may affect also heavily on the last price of the ring. For instance, a 0.3 ct ruby ring setting you back $250 state, might set you back around $75 to be graded as well as have the report number inscribed on the girdle on the ruby. As you browse for that excellent diamond involvement ring for your sweetheart, you'll discover that there is a hodgepodge of labs claiming to give reliable ruby grading records. However I would just place my money on ...
The Premier Diamond Grading Lab Information
Yes, all ruby quality records are not developed equivalent. Within the industry, it is an agreement that the 2 top laboratories are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of America's Treasure Trade Lab) and the AGS (American Gem Society Laboratories).
The GCAL (Treasure Certification and Assurance Laboratory) also supplies very concerned records or "diamond certifications" as they are described by GCAL. The GIA has the best international reputation for freedom as well as consistency. Due to their constant shade and clearness strictness standards, the globe's largest and also most expensive rubies have been sent there for grading decades. In 2006, GIA-GTL added a two-dimensional cut grading system for round fantastic rubies.
AGS utilizes the most strict cut criteria in the industry. It uses a three-dimensional light efficiency metric that can quality several diamond shapes. As a matter of fact, it is the only cut grading system that is identified by the clinical area.
Exactly what is even more, its Ruby High quality Record makes use of a special as well as proprietary 0 to 10 grading system to evaluate the 4 Cs - a system which is simpler to understand than GIA's grading system. As a matter of fact, AGS also goes the added step by equating their 0-10 ranking scale to other kinds of ranking. As an example, the standard VS1 ruby clearness score is a 3 on the AGS Ruby High Quality Record.
Ruby Coverage - The Drawbacks
1. Diamond grading is not standard or controlled as well as hence you could encounter tier 2 labs that use looser guidelines to the tier 1 grading laboratories mentioned above. If you acquire a diamond that has actually been graded by a tier 2 laboratory, you could wind up paying more for a minimal quality ruby. So for instance, a ruby ranked a "F" in shade at a rate 2 laboratory may get a G, H, or reduced shade ranking at an extra trusted laboratory. The industry also marks down rubies rated by minimal known laboratories by about 15-30% or more. So either you only purchase a ruby rated by a rate 1 lab or you accept that you could be purchasing a minimal top quality diamond than what is mentioned on the record if that diamond is rated by a lesser recognized laboratory.
2. Numerous big chain shops have substantial contracts with lower known labs with "softer" ruby grading guidelines. Some of these softer labs put "suggested substitute values" on the laboratory records - values which are greater than exactly what shops means market the diamonds for. So a salesperson in a chain shop could state to you, "Take a look at the lot you are obtaining right here. We are selling you this diamond interaction ring for $2500 however the record states that the recommended replacement worth is $4000." Wow - what a bargain - NOT! This is why it is better that you rely on just independent tier 1 labs.
Likewise keep in mind that reputable diamond rating records are not evaluations and don't provide assessment numbers. Diamond evaluations are commonly blatantly filled with air and are not something you'll wish to depend on.
3. Diamond reports are filled with disclaimers that specify that nothing is "certified" or ensured which the labs are not accountable for errors. Actually, the GIA offers a disclaimer of types on their site regarding using words "accredit." The web site states:
"It is incorrect to state that trainees, grads, their organisations, or specific gemstones are "licensed" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of The U.S.A. does not accredit anybody or anything. Neither a pupil neither a grad that has actually been awarded a certificate or diploma, nor a treasure which has been graded or recognized by GIA has actually been certified by GIA".
So it is feasible that you the customer is left holding the bag needs to an inaccuracy in a report is later on discovered. Courts have regularly ruled that sellers, not laboratories, are in charge of such mistakes. Why? Because the labs showed beforehand that their reports couldn't be held responsible.
Thankfully, there are a couple methods to provide yourself extra customer security:
A. You might fly to India where jewelers provide a life time buyback plan to their customers. Too costly to fly?
B. You could find among the 20% of United States jewelry experts that offer completely adhered rubies. These are diamonds that are sold with life time breakage, life time trade-in and lifetime buyback policies.
C. Not as great a treatment as acquiring a totally bound diamond however you could purchase a ruby that comes with a real "certification" and not a report. "Certified diamonds do have warranties" albeit for much shorter periods.
Qualification Some vendors describe a "diamond report" as a "licensed ruby" but practically this is not correct. From a lawful standpoint, a diamond record is a simply an expert opinion though in reality, elements of a ruby grading record are not simply opinions.
As an example, a ruby's carat weight (weight) can be properly established in addition to its cut grade by measuring its optical efficiency or by describing a computer system model. A certificate on the other hand is a declaration of truth - a file for which the company approves legal obligation and also will make restitution to the consumer for mistakes.
Some top ruby grading labs use both records and certifications. AGS offers Ruby Quality Records (non-certified reports) and also Ruby Top quality Certificates. Diamond High quality Certifications are ready solely for AGS retail jewelers as well as offers guaranties from participating American Treasure Society member stores.
GCAL certifies it's diamond grading additionally. Its 100% money-back assurance policy is valid for a period of two years from the day on the relevant certification. This policy makes sure the accuracy of the cut, color and quality qualities as well as the carat weight.
A report or certification must will certainly have a number on it that might or may not be inscribed on a diamond. You will certainly have the ability to enter that number on the internet site of the licensing laboratory to examine a record's legitimacy.
Elements Of A Diamond Grading Report Ruby rating records are constantly developing but certain component ought to continue to be the very same. For example, the:
The Report #. This number is provided and also videotaped in a lab's document and also may or may not be engraved on a diamond's band. You can enter the record number on a rating laboratory's site to check the credibility of the diamond quality report or to get more info about the diamond. Forming & Aspect Design: This is the summary as well as the reducing design used for the facet setup. There are 3 standard facet designs - "great cut, step cut as well as combined reducing style" and also 12 standard shapes that include notables such as rounded brilliant and also princess cut" rubies.
Dimensions: This describes size (not weight) of a diamond. Dimension consists of dimensions such as size, size, weight and also diameter. A dimension 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 ruby is determined to the hundredth of a carat weight as well as some even provide such step to the thousandth of a carat (1.123 ct.). Carat weight is the most unbiased and the most convenient to comprehend of the 4Cs due to the fact that all one has to do is weight the stone. Color Quality: This informs you the level of shade lack in the diamond. The much less shade the higher the grade.
Rubies are normally rated from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the ruby. You must never see ruby color variety such as (G-H, I-J-K, and so forth) on a ruby report. You need to only see color arrays on appraisals for stones that are placed.
Clearness Grade: Essentially every ruby has actually interior blemishes called additions as well as outside flaws called acnes. A ruby is graded inning accordance with the size, type, place and quantity of these problems.
Clearness qualities range from Perfect (FL) - Consisted Of. Labs make use of a couple professionals to grade the quality of a diamond in order to think of an extra accurate analysis.
Cut Grade: Much more current ruby reports include a cut quality for basic round great rubies. Cut considers the sparkle, fire and scintillation of the ruby. Cut grade varies from Outstanding - Poor.
Various other elements you could discover on a diamond report consist of the gloss, symmetry, fluorescence as well as percentage. Equipped with this details, you are better able to make an analysis of the quality of ruby that is mounted in an interaction ring.
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