You have finally reached the point in your relationship in Clarcona 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 Clarcona , 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 Clarcona 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.
Clarcona 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.
Start With the Fundamentals When Fascinated in Acquiring Ruby Jewelry.
Clarcona
Not all sellers supply ruby grading lab reports (also known as ruby top quality records) to their consumers. So my basic guidance to you is to keep your loan in your pocket when handling such jewelers.
Only acquire a ruby involvement ring if it features the original diamond high quality record.
A laboratory report is an independent examination of the 4Cs of a loose ruby and also consists of an outlined representation of the rock's quality characteristics and also a graphic depiction of the rock's percentages. Having such a report enables you to compare diamonds of various top qualities and eventually assists you make a more educated buying choice.
A retailer may cut edges as well as not provide a laboratory report or an unethical vendor may provide a fake one as a result of the time, problem and cost he'll bear to getting a stone graded.
Yeah - there is a price for rating a ruby (though that cost is eventually paid by the consumer), plus the shipping and insurance policy costs for sending the diamond to the laboratory. As well as allow us not neglect the chance expense of a jeweler not having the diamond in his store available for sale for a few weeks while the grading occurs.
Nevertheless, a ruby rating report may additionally not be available since the expenses to obtaining one may influence too heavily on the last price of the ring. As an example, a 0.3 ct ruby ring setting you back $250 claim, could set you back around $75 to be rated as well as have the record number inscribed on the girdle on the ruby. As you search for that optimal ruby engagement ring for your sweetie, you'll discover that there is a hodgepodge of labs claiming to give reputable ruby grading records. But I would only put my money on ...
The Premier Diamond Grading Lab News
Yes, all ruby top quality reports are not created equivalent. Within the industry, it is an agreement that both leading labs are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of The U.S.A.'s Treasure Trade Laboratory) as well as the AGS (American Treasure Society Laboratories).
The GCAL (Gem Qualification and Assurance Lab) likewise uses extremely related to reports or "ruby certifications" as they are described by GCAL. The GIA has the strongest worldwide online reputation for self-reliance as well as consistency. As a result of their continuous shade as well as clearness strictness guidelines, the globe's biggest as well as most costly rubies have been sent out there for rating decades. In 2006, GIA-GTL included a two-dimensional cut grading system for round brilliant rubies.
AGS utilizes the strictest cut standards in the industry. It uses a three-dimensional light performance metric that could grade a number of diamond forms. As a matter of fact, it is the only cut grading system that is recognized by the clinical area.
Just what is more, its Ruby Quality Document uses a distinct and exclusive 0 to 10 grading system to review the 4 Cs - a system which is simpler to comprehend than GIA's grading system. As a matter of fact, AGS also goes the additional action by corresponding their 0-10 ranking range to other forms of rating. For instance, the standard VS1 diamond quality rating is a 3 on the AGS Ruby Top Quality Paper.
Diamond Coverage - The Drawbacks
1. Ruby grading is not standard or regulated and therefore you may encounter tier 2 labs that use looser guidelines to the tier 1 grading labs pointed out over. If you acquire a diamond that has been rated by a tier 2 lab, you may finish up paying extra for a lower top quality diamond. So for instance, a diamond rated a "F" in color at a rate 2 lab may obtain a G, H, or reduced color rating at a much more reputable laboratory. The market likewise discounts rubies rated by lesser well-known labs by concerning 15-30% or more. So either you just buy a diamond rated by a rate 1 laboratory or you approve that you could be acquiring a minimal high quality diamond compared to what is specified on the report if that ruby is rated by a lower known laboratory.
2. Numerous huge store have substantial agreements with lower recognized labs with "softer" diamond grading standards. Some of these softer laboratories placed "recommended replacement values" on the laboratory records - values which are above exactly what stores plans sell the rubies for. So a salesman in a chain store could say to you, "Look at the excellent deal you are obtaining here. We are offering you this ruby interaction ring for $2500 however the report says that the recommended substitute worth is $4000." Wow - just what an offer - NOT! This is why it is better that you trust just independent rate 1 labs.
Likewise bear in mind that respectable diamond rating reports are not assessments as well as don't use appraisal figures. Diamond evaluations are often grossly inflated and are not something you'll desire to depend on.
3. Ruby reports are riddled with disclaimers that define that nothing is "licensed" or ensured as well as that the laboratories are not accountable for errors. In truth, the GIA offers a disclaimer of sorts on their internet site pertaining to using the word "certify." The website says:
"It is incorrect to state that students, grads, their businesses, or particular gems are "licensed" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of The U.S.A. does not certify anybody or anything. Neither a trainee nor a grad that has been granted 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 needs to an error in a report is later discovered. Courts have often ruled that sellers, not laboratories, are responsible for such mistakes. Why? Due to the fact that the labs showed beforehand that their records couldn't be held liable.
Thankfully, there are a couple means to provide on your own a lot more purchaser defense:
A. You could fly to India where jewelers use a life time buyback policy to their customers. Too costly to fly?
B. You can locate one of the 20% people jewelry experts who sell completely bonded diamonds. These are rubies that are offered with life time breakage, lifetime trade-in as well as life time buyback plans.
C. Not as great a solution as buying a completely bound ruby however you can purchase a diamond that features an actual "certification" and also not a report. "Certified diamonds do feature warranties" albeit for much shorter periods.
Qualification Some vendors refer to a "ruby report" as a "certified diamond" but technically this is not deal with. From a lawful viewpoint, a diamond record is a simply a professional opinion though in actuality, facets of a ruby grading report are not simply opinions.
For instance, a ruby's carat (weight) could be properly figured out along with its cut grade by gauging its optical performance or by referring to a computer model. A certificate on the various other hand is a declaration of reality - a paper for which the company approves legal duty as well as will make restitution to the customer for errors.
Some leading diamond grading laboratories supply both reports as well as certifications. AGS supplies Ruby High quality Papers (non-certified reports) as well as Ruby Top quality Certificates. Diamond High quality Certificates are ready specifically for AGS retail jewelers as well as uses guaranties from taking part American Gem Society member stores.
GCAL accredits it's ruby grading also. Its 100% money-back assurance plan is legitimate for a period of two years from the day on the applicable certificate. This plan makes sure the precision of the cut, shade and clearness grades and also the carat weight.
A record or certification need to will certainly have a number on it that might or may not be engraved on a diamond. You will have the ability to enter that number on the website of the accrediting lab to inspect a report's legitimacy.
Aspects Of A Ruby Grading Report Ruby rating reports are constantly advancing but certain aspect needs to continue to be the same. For example, the:
The Record #. This number is given and recorded in a laboratory's record and also might or might not be inscribed on a ruby's band. You could go into the record number on a rating lab's website to examine the credibility of the diamond high quality report or to obtain more details regarding the ruby. Shape & Facet Design: This is the outline and the cutting style used for the element arrangement. There are 3 fundamental aspect styles - "fantastic cut, step cut and also combined reducing design" and 12 basic shapes which include notables such as round dazzling as well as princess cut" diamonds.
Measurements: This describes dimension (not weight) of a ruby. Size includes dimensions such as size, width, weight and also size. A measurement is usually noted to the hundredth of a millimeter. Measurements play a massive role in just how a ruby sparkles.
Carat weight Weight: The weight of a diamond is measured to the hundredth of a carat as well as some also supply such procedure to the thousandth of a carat (1.123 ct.). Carat weight is one of the most unbiased and the simplest to understand of the 4Cs due to the fact that all one needs to do is weight the stone. Shade Quality: This tells you the degree of shade lack in the ruby. The less shade the greater the grade.
Diamonds are normally rated from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the ruby. You need to never see diamond shade range such as (G-H, I-J-K, and so forth) on a diamond report. You should just see shade ranges on assessments for rocks that are mounted.
Clearness Quality: Basically every ruby has internal imperfections called additions as well as outside imperfections called acnes. A ruby is rated according to the dimension, kind, area and also amount of these defects.
Quality qualities vary from Remarkable (FL) - Included. Labs use a couple experts to quality the quality of a ruby in order to generate a more precise reading.
Cut Quality: Extra current diamond records consist of a cut quality for common round great diamonds. Cut thinks about the radiance, fire and also scintillation of the diamond. Cut grade varies from Exceptional - Poor.
Various other elements you might stumble upon on a ruby record consist of the gloss, symmetry, fluorescence and also percentage. Armed with this information, you are much better able making an assessment of the quality of ruby that is installed in an interaction ring.
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