5 Tips on What To Look For When Buying Diamonds For Wedding Rings
A wedding, or an engagement in Albany, 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 Albany, 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 Albany. 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 Albany 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 Albany for you engagement or wedding.
Albany 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 Enhanced Diamonds and also Are They For You?
Albany
Not all vendors supply ruby grading lab records (also known as diamond high quality records) to their consumers. So my basic advice to you is to keep your loan in your pocket when managing such jewelry experts.
Only acquire a ruby interaction ring if it features the original ruby high quality record.
A laboratory record is an independent evaluation of the 4Cs of a loosened ruby as well as includes an outlined diagram of the rock's clarity features and also a visuals depiction of the stone's percentages. Having such a report permits you to compare rubies of various qualities and ultimately helps you make a more educated getting choice.
A seller could cut corners as well as not supply a laboratory record or an underhanded vendor might provide a fake one as a result of the time, problem as well as cost he'll birth to getting a stone rated.
Yeah - there is a price for grading a diamond (though that cost is ultimately paid by the consumer), plus the shipping and also insurance policy fees for sending out the ruby to the laboratory. And also let us not neglect the possibility expense of a jeweler not having the diamond in his store up for sale for a few weeks while the grading occurs.
Nevertheless, a diamond grading report may likewise not be readily available because the prices to obtaining one may influence too greatly on the final rate of the ring. For example, a 0.3 ct ruby ring setting you back $250 claim, might set you back around $75 to be rated and also have the report number inscribed on the band on the ruby. As you search for that optimal diamond involvement ring for your sweetie, you'll discover that there is an alphabet soup of labs declaring to offer credible diamond rating reports. However I would only put my loan on ...
The Premier Ruby Grading Laboratory Reports
Yes, all diamond high quality records are not produced equal. Within the market, it is a consensus that both premier labs are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of The U.S.A.'s Gem Profession Lab) and also the AGS (American Treasure Society Laboratories).
The GCAL (Gem Accreditation as well as Assurance Laboratory) additionally uses extremely concerned records or "diamond certifications" as they are referred to by GCAL. The GIA has the toughest global reputation for independence as well as uniformity. Due to their constant shade and also clarity strictness guidelines, the globe's largest and also most expensive diamonds have actually been sent there for rating years. In 2006, GIA-GTL included a two-dimensional cut grading system for rounded dazzling rubies.
AGS uses the most strict cut requirements in the industry. It makes use of a three-dimensional light efficiency metric that could grade several diamond shapes. Actually, it is the only cut grading system that is identified by the clinical area.
Just what is more, its Diamond Quality File makes use of an unique and also exclusive 0 to 10 grading system to examine the 4 Cs - a system which is easier to comprehend compared to GIA's grading system. In reality, AGS also goes the additional action by corresponding their 0-10 ranking range to other types of ranking. For instance, the traditional VS1 diamond clearness rating is a 3 on the AGS Ruby High Quality Paper.
Ruby Coverage - The Drawbacks
1. Diamond grading is not standard or controlled and hence you may come across tier 2 laboratories that utilize looser standards to the rate 1 grading laboratories stated above. If you acquire a ruby that has been rated by a tier 2 laboratory, you might wind up paying much more for a minimal high quality ruby. So as an example, a ruby ranked a "F" in color at a rate 2 laboratory may obtain a G, H, or reduced shade rating at an extra credible laboratory. The sector additionally marks down diamonds graded by lower recognized laboratories by regarding 15-30% or even more. So either you just acquire a diamond graded by a rate 1 lab or you approve that you could be acquiring a minimal top quality ruby compared to just what is stated on the record if that diamond is rated by a minimal known laboratory.
2. Numerous large store have big agreements with lower known laboratories with "softer" ruby grading guidelines. A few of these softer laboratories placed "recommended replacement worths" on the lab records - values which are greater than what shops means market the diamonds for. So a sales representative in a store could claim to you, "Consider the great deal you are getting below. We are marketing you this diamond involvement ring for $2500 however the record says that the suggested replacement value is $4000." Wow - just what a bargain - NOT! This is why it is better that you rely on only independent rate 1 laboratories.
Likewise keep in mind that respectable diamond rating records are not assessments and do not provide assessment numbers. Diamond appraisals are often grossly filled with air and also are not something you'll want to count on.
3. Ruby reports are riddled with please notes that specify that nothing is "certified" or ensured which the laboratories are not liable for errors. As a matter of fact, the GIA offers a disclaimer of kinds on their web site relating to using words "license." The web site claims:
"It is incorrect to state that students, grads, their organisations, or certain gemstones are "accredited" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of America does not certify anyone or anything. Neither a student nor a graduate who has been awarded a certification or diploma, nor a gem which has been rated or identified by GIA has actually 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 discovered. Courts have actually regularly ruled that sellers, not laboratories, are in charge of such errors. Why? Due to the fact that the labs indicated beforehand that their records couldn't be held accountable.
Fortunately, there are a couple ways to provide yourself more customer protection:
A. You can fly to India where jewelers use a lifetime buyback plan to their clients. Also costly to fly?
B. You might find among the 20% of US jewelry experts who sell completely bound rubies. These are diamonds that are sold with life time damage, life time trade-in as well as lifetime buyback policies.
C. Not as great a solution as buying a completely bonded diamond yet you could acquire a ruby that includes a real "certification" and not a report. "Licensed diamonds do have guaranties" albeit for much shorter periods.
Accreditation Some vendors describe a "diamond report" as a "licensed diamond" but technically this is not correct. From a legal viewpoint, a ruby record is a merely a professional point of view though in reality, aspects of a diamond rating record are not simply viewpoints.
As an example, a diamond's carat weight (weight) can be precisely figured out along with its cut grade by determining its optical efficiency or by referring to a computer design. A certificate on the other hand is a declaration of reality - a record for which the issuer accepts lawful responsibility and also will certainly make restitution to the customer for mistakes.
Some top ruby grading labs offer both records and certificates. AGS provides Diamond High quality Files (non-certified records) and also Diamond High quality Certificates. Diamond High quality Certificates are prepared solely for AGS retail jewelers and uses guaranties from getting involved American Gem Culture member shops.
GCAL licenses it's ruby grading also. Its 100% money-back guarantee plan stands for a period of two years from the date on the appropriate certification. This plan guarantees the accuracy of the cut, shade and clarity grades and the carat weight.
A record or certification ought to will certainly have a number on it that could or may not be etched on a ruby. You will have the ability to enter that number on the web site of the licensing lab to inspect a report's credibility.
Elements Of A Ruby Grading Report Ruby rating reports are constantly developing yet certain element must continue to be the same. For example, the:
The Record #. This number is given and also tape-recorded in a laboratory's record as well as could or might not be inscribed on a ruby's band. You could get in the report number on a grading laboratory's internet site to inspect the credibility of the ruby high quality report or to obtain even more details about the diamond. Forming & Element Style: This is the overview and the reducing style used for the aspect setup. There are 3 standard element designs - "dazzling cut, step cut and also combined cutting design" and also 12 standard forms which consist of notables such as rounded brilliant and princess cut" rubies.
Dimensions: This refers to dimension (not weight) of a diamond. Dimension includes measurements such as length, width, weight and size. A dimension is normally noted to the hundredth of a millimeter. Measurements play a massive role in exactly how a diamond sparkles.
Carat Weight: The weight of a ruby is measured to the hundredth of a carat weight as well as some even offer such measure to the thousandth of a carat weight (1.123 ct.). Carat weight is the most objective as well as the simplest to understand of the 4Cs since all one needs to do is weight the stone. Shade Quality: This tells you the degree of shade absence in the diamond. The much less color the greater the quality.
Rubies are typically rated from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the diamond. You should never see diamond color variety such as (G-H, I-J-K, and more) on a diamond report. You must just see color arrays on evaluations for rocks that are installed.
Clarity Quality: Practically every ruby has actually interior blemishes called inclusions and also external blemishes called acnes. A diamond is graded inning accordance with the size, type, area and also quantity of these defects.
Clearness grades vary from Remarkable (FL) - Included. Labs make use of a couple experts to grade the clearness of a ruby in order to generate an extra precise reading.
Cut Grade: Much more recent ruby records include a cut quality for standard round brilliant rubies. Cut takes into account the brilliance, fire as well as scintillation of the ruby. Cut grade ranges from Superb - Poor.
Various other aspects you might find on a ruby record include the gloss, proportion, fluorescence and proportion. Equipped with this information, you are better able making an evaluation of the high quality of diamond that is mounted in an interaction ring.
___________________________________________
