You have finally reached the point in your relationship in Shalimar where you are ready to make a lifetime commitment. It does not matter whether you have been planning the special day for months or just a couple of days. The story of how you proposed and how beautiful the diamond engagement ring or wedding ring was will go on for months. As such, before heading to the jewelry store to buy this precious bond of diamond, it helps to know that you are making the best choice. Here is what to look for when seeking precious diamonds for wedding rings or engagement rings:
Understand the 4 C’s
These are the globally accepted standards for describing diamonds. The 4C’s include:
(i) Diamond color
Diamonds come from range D (colorless) to range Z (Strong yellow tint). With colorless diamonds being most expensive, they are also the most durable. When looking for precious diamonds, take the diamond outside to see its natural light. This will give you a better, sense of its color as opposed to viewing it under a day lamp. Remember, there are also jewelers who use lighting that makes the diamonds brighter than it really is. Diamonds have different prices depending on their color.
(ii) Diamond Carat
The carat relates to the weight of the diamond. The prices of diamond also vary depending on their weight. If you are looking to still save money for the big day, opt for an impressive number of diamond carats that is closest to your budget
(iii) Diamond clarity
Diamonds have clarity that ranges from flawless to heavy. With only a few of the world’s diamonds being flawless, the rest have characteristics of clarity that they adopted during their formation. Reducing your diamond’s clarity is the best saving technique.
(iv) Diamond cut
The cut is the most important element of diamonds for wedding rings and engagement rings. While shape may refer to round, priceless, cushion or pear, the cut simply showcases the crafting of the diamond from its rough state. The scale grade for diamonds ranges from excellent to very good all the way down to poor. Only disappointed in the long run.
Consider the diamond certificate
It is best to ensure that the diamonds you choose for your wedding ring or engagement ring has been verified by an independent third party. The certificate simply tells you that the 4 C’s are up to standard. Although it is possible to purchase a diamond that has not been certified, the risk is that the color may not be exactly what the jeweler tells you.
Go for suitable ring style
Different shapes of diamonds will compliment your hand in unique ways . For instance, a diamond that is mounted will make your finger appear slimmer. On the other hand, three stone rings are often better suited for shorter fingers. Not all styles will suit your hand. Therefore in Shalimar , determine what works best for you and your partner.
Know the various types of diamond flaws.
To avoid making a wrong buying decision, it is important to know all the flaws that diamond wedding bands and engagement rings may present. Avoid diamonds that have a rough unpolished surface, any indentation on a flat surface or are irregular shaped. Internal flaws also include a small opening on the surface, inclusions and diamond with a crystal within it.
Getting the right diamond rings in Shalimar is certainly a breathtaking experience. With the right pick, both you and your partner can enjoy its brilliance and shine many years to come. When seeking diamonds, have an idea of your budget to determine the quality of diamond in your range and try on as many rings as you to ensure you know what you like. Shop wisely.
Shalimar How to Buy a Diamond And The 4 Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Diamond
Not all vendors offer diamond grading lab records (aka diamond high quality records) to their customers. So my general suggestions to you is to keep your cash in your pocket when dealing with such jewelry experts.
Only purchase a diamond involvement ring if it includes the initial diamond high quality report.
A lab record is an independent analysis of the 4Cs of a loose ruby and includes a plotted diagram of the stone's clarity attributes and a graphic representation of the rock's proportions. Having such a record permits you to contrast diamonds of various top qualities and also inevitably helps you make a more educated acquiring choice.
A retailer could cut edges and not offer a lab record or an unscrupulous seller could offer a fake one as a result of the time, difficulty and expenditure he'll bear to obtaining a rock graded.
Yeah - there is a rate for rating a diamond (though that price is eventually paid by the consumer), plus the shipping as well as insurance fees for sending out the ruby to the lab. As well as let us not neglect the opportunity expense of a jewelry expert not having the ruby in his store offer for sale for a few weeks while the grading takes place.
However, a ruby grading record might likewise not be offered because the costs to obtaining one may impact also heavily on the final price of the ring. For instance, a 0.3 ct diamond ring setting you back $250 claim, might cost around $75 to be graded as well as have the record number inscribed on the band on the ruby. As you look for that excellent ruby interaction ring for your sweetie, you'll find that there is an alphabet soup of labs asserting to offer reliable ruby grading reports. However I would only put my loan on ...
The Premier Ruby Grading Laboratory News
Yes, all ruby high quality reports are not developed equal. Within the sector, it is an agreement that both premier labs are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of America's Gem Trade Laboratory) as well as the AGS (American Treasure Society Laboratories).
The GCAL (Gem Certification and also Guarantee Laboratory) additionally provides highly concerned reports or "diamond certificates" as they are referred to by GCAL. The GIA has the toughest global online reputation for self-reliance and also consistency. As a result of their continuous shade and clearness strictness standards, the world's biggest as well as most pricey rubies have been sent out there for grading decades. In 2006, GIA-GTL included a two-dimensional cut grading system for rounded dazzling diamonds.
AGS utilizes the strictest cut criteria in the market. It utilizes a three-dimensional light performance metric that can grade several ruby shapes. Actually, it is the only cut grading system that is identified by the clinical neighborhood.
What is even more, its Ruby High quality Record uses a special and exclusive 0 to 10 grading system to examine the 4 Cs - a system which is easier to comprehend than GIA's grading system. As a matter of fact, AGS also goes the extra action by relating their 0-10 ranking scale to other types of rating. For instance, the standard VS1 diamond quality ranking is a 3 on the AGS Ruby Quality Document.
Diamond Reporting - The Drawbacks
1. Ruby grading is not standard or controlled and also thus you might discover rate 2 labs that employ looser standards to the rate 1 grading laboratories stated above. If you purchase a ruby that has actually been graded by a tier 2 laboratory, you might end up paying much more for a lower top quality ruby. So for instance, a diamond rated a "F" in shade at a rate 2 laboratory could get a G, H, or reduced color score at a much more respectable lab. The industry likewise discounts diamonds rated by lesser known laboratories by regarding 15-30% or even more. So either you just purchase a ruby graded by a tier 1 laboratory or you accept that you may be buying a lesser quality diamond compared to what is mentioned on the record if that ruby is rated by a lesser well-known laboratory.
2. Lots of big chain shops have huge agreements with lesser known laboratories with "softer" diamond grading guidelines. Some of these softer laboratories placed "recommended replacement worths" on the laboratory reports - values which are more than exactly what stores means market the diamonds for. So a salesperson in a store may claim to you, "Look at the large amount you are obtaining here. We are selling you this ruby interaction ring for $2500 but the record says that the suggested replacement value is $4000." Wow - exactly what an offer - NOT! This is why it is better that you trust only independent rate 1 labs.
Also keep in mind that credible ruby rating reports are not appraisals as well as do not use assessment figures. Diamond evaluations are often blatantly inflated and are not something you'll wish to count on.
3. Diamond records are filled with disclaimers that specify that nothing is "licensed" or assured which the labs are not answerable for mistakes. In fact, the GIA uses a please note of types on their site pertaining to making use of words "license." The web site says:
"It is inaccurate to state that trainees, graduates, their companies, or specific gemstones are "certified" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of The U.S.A. does not accredit anybody or anything. Neither a student nor a grad that has actually been awarded a certificate or diploma, nor a treasure which has been rated or determined by GIA has actually been licensed by GIA".
So it is feasible that you the consumer is left holding the bag should an inaccuracy in a report is later uncovered. Courts have regularly ruled that sellers, not labs, are accountable for such mistakes. Why? Since the labs indicated in advance that their records could not be held accountable.
The good news is, there are a couple methods to offer on your own a lot more purchaser protection:
A. You could fly to India where jewelry experts provide a life time buyback policy to their clients. As well pricey to fly?
B. You can locate among the 20% people jewelry experts who sell fully adhered rubies. These are diamonds that are marketed with lifetime damage, life time trade-in and lifetime buyback plans.
C. Not as excellent a solution as buying a fully bound diamond however you might acquire a diamond that includes a real "certificate" and not a record. "Certified diamonds do include guaranties" albeit for much shorter periods.
Accreditation Some sellers refer to a "ruby record" as a "certified diamond" however technically this is not remedy. From a lawful perspective, a ruby report is a merely a professional point of view though in reality, elements of a diamond grading record are not just point of views.
For instance, a ruby's carat weight (weight) could be accurately established in addition to its cut quality by measuring its optical performance or by referring to a computer model. A certification on the other hand is a declaration of fact - a paper for which the company accepts lawful responsibility and also will make restitution to the customer for blunders.
Some leading diamond grading laboratories offer both records as well as certificates. AGS supplies Diamond Quality Records (non-certified records) and Diamond Quality Certificates. Diamond Quality Certifications are ready exclusively for AGS retail jewelers and also offers guaranties from taking part American Treasure Society participant shops.
GCAL certifies it's ruby grading likewise. Its 100% money-back assurance plan stands for a duration of two years from the day on the relevant certificate. This policy makes certain the precision of the cut, color and clearness grades as well as the carat weight.
A report or certificate ought to will certainly have a number on it that could or may not be etched on a diamond. You will have the ability to go into that number on the site of the accrediting laboratory to inspect a report's validity.
Aspects Of A Diamond Grading Report Diamond rating reports are always advancing but particular element ought to remain the exact same. For circumstances, the:
The Record #. This number is provided and taped in a lab's record as well as might or may not be engraved on a diamond's band. You could go into the report number on a grading lab's site to inspect the authenticity of the diamond high quality report or to obtain more details about the ruby. Shape & Aspect Design: This is the summary and also the reducing style utilized for the aspect arrangement. There are 3 basic facet designs - "dazzling cut, step cut and combined reducing design" as well as 12 standard shapes that include notables such as rounded fantastic and also princess cut" rubies.
Measurements: This refers to dimension (not weight) of a diamond. Dimension includes dimensions such as size, width, weight as well as diameter. A measurement is generally detailed to the hundredth of a millimeter. Measurements play a huge duty in just how a diamond glows.
Carat Weight: The weight of a ruby is determined to the hundredth of a carat and some also give such procedure to the thousandth of a carat weight (1.123 ct.). Carat weight is one of the most unbiased and the most convenient to comprehend of the 4Cs since all one needs to do is weight the rock. Color Quality: This informs you the level of color lack in the diamond. The much less shade the higher the grade.
Diamonds are typically rated from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the ruby. You must never see ruby shade variety such as (G-H, I-J-K, and so on) on a diamond record. You must just see shade ranges on appraisals for stones that are mounted.
Clarity Quality: Virtually every diamond has actually inner imperfections called additions as well as exterior flaws called imperfections. A ruby is rated inning accordance with the dimension, type, place and amount of these imperfections.
Clarity qualities vary from Flawless (FL) - Included. Labs use a couple specialists to grade the quality of a diamond in order to create a more accurate reading.
Cut Quality: Extra current ruby records consist of a cut quality for basic round dazzling diamonds. Cut thinks about the radiance, fire and scintillation of the ruby. Cut quality varies from Excellent - Poor.
Various other components you may discover on a diamond report consist of the gloss, balance, fluorescence as well as percentage. Equipped with this info, you are much better able making an analysis of the quality of diamond that is installed in an engagement ring.
Rating Diamonds in the Rough!
Shalimar
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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