5 Tips on What To Look For When Buying Diamonds For Wedding Rings
A wedding, or an engagement in Clearlake, 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 Clearlake, 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 Clearlake. 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 Clearlake 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 Clearlake for you engagement or wedding.
Clearlake 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 Purchasing Diamond Fashion Jewelry.
Clearlake
Not all sellers provide diamond grading laboratory records (aka ruby high quality records) to their consumers. So my general suggestions to you is to maintain your cash in your pocket when dealing with such jewelers.
Just buy a diamond involvement ring if it features the initial diamond top quality record.
A laboratory record is an independent assessment of the 4Cs of a loose ruby as well as consists of an outlined representation of the stone's clarity features and also a graphic depiction of the rock's percentages. Having such a record allows you to contrast diamonds of different qualities and ultimately helps you make an even more educated purchasing choice.
A retailer could cut corners as well as not give a laboratory record or an unethical seller might supply a fake one due to the moment, problem as well as expenditure he'll birth to getting a stone rated.
Yeah - there is a cost for rating a ruby (though that cost is ultimately paid by the consumer), plus the delivery as well as insurance fees for sending the ruby to the lab. And let us not forget the chance cost of a jeweler not having the ruby in his store up for sale for a few weeks while the grading occurs.
Nevertheless, a diamond rating report might additionally not be offered due to the fact that the prices to obtaining one may affect as well greatly on the final price of the ring. As an example, a 0.3 ct diamond ring setting you back $250 state, might cost around $75 to be rated as well as have the record number inscribed on the band on the ruby. As you search for that ideal diamond interaction ring for your sweetie, you'll locate that there is an alphabet soup of laboratories asserting to provide reliable diamond grading reports. Yet I would just put my cash on ...
The Premier Diamond Grading Laboratory News
Yes, all diamond high quality records are not developed equal. Within the market, it is a consensus that both leading laboratories are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of The U.S.A.'s Treasure Trade Lab) and the AGS (American Treasure Culture Laboratories).
The GCAL (Gem Certification as well as Guarantee Laboratory) likewise provides very related to records or "ruby certifications" as they are referred to by GCAL. The GIA has the strongest international reputation for independence as well as consistency. Because of their consistent color and also clearness strictness guidelines, the world's largest and most costly diamonds have been sent out there for rating decades. In 2006, GIA-GTL included a two-dimensional cut grading system for rounded great diamonds.
AGS utilizes the strictest cut standards in the sector. It utilizes a three-dimensional light efficiency metric that could grade a number of diamond forms. Actually, it is the only cut grading system that is acknowledged by the clinical area.
Just what is more, its Diamond Top quality File uses a special and also proprietary 0 to 10 grading system to evaluate the 4 Cs - a system which is less complicated to comprehend compared to GIA's grading system. As a matter of fact, AGS even goes the additional step by corresponding their 0-10 score range to various other types of ranking. As an example, the standard VS1 diamond quality rating is a 3 on the AGS Diamond Top Quality File.
Ruby Coverage - The Drawbacks
1. Ruby grading is not standardized or controlled and also for this reason you may encounter tier 2 laboratories that use looser standards to the rate 1 grading labs mentioned above. If you acquire a diamond that has actually been rated by a rate 2 lab, you could wind up paying more for a minimal high quality ruby. So as an example, a diamond rated a "F" in shade at a rate 2 lab might obtain a G, H, or reduced color ranking at an extra trusted lab. The sector additionally marks down diamonds graded by lower recognized laboratories by about 15-30% or even more. So either you just buy a ruby graded by a tier 1 lab or you approve that you could be purchasing a lower quality ruby compared to exactly what is specified on the record if that ruby is graded by a minimal recognized lab.
2. Numerous large chain stores have substantial agreements with minimal known laboratories with "softer" diamond grading guidelines. Some of these softer labs placed "recommended replacement worths" on the lab reports - worths which are more than what stores plans offer the rubies for. So a salesperson in a chain shop might claim to you, "Look at the lot you are obtaining below. We are selling you this ruby engagement ring for $2500 but the report says that the recommended substitute value is $4000." Wow - exactly what a deal - NOT! This is why it is much better that you rely on just independent tier 1 laboratories.
Likewise keep in mind that credible ruby grading records are not appraisals and do not use assessment figures. Diamond evaluations are typically grossly filled with air as well as are not something you'll desire to count on.
3. Ruby reports are riddled with please notes that specify that nothing is "licensed" or ensured which the laboratories are not liable for mistakes. As a matter of fact, the GIA offers a disclaimer of kinds on their web site regarding using the word "accredit." The website states:
"It is incorrect to state that trainees, graduates, their businesses, or certain gems are "accredited" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of The U.S.A. does not accredit any person or anything. Neither a pupil nor a graduate who has actually 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 consumer is left holding the bag needs to a mistake in a record is later found. Courts have actually often ruled that vendors, not labs, are accountable for such mistakes. Why? Since the laboratories suggested ahead of time that their records could not be held responsible.
Thankfully, there are a couple means to give yourself more buyer security:
A. You can fly to India where jewelry experts offer a lifetime buyback plan to their clients. Also pricey to fly?
B. You might find one of the 20% people jewelers that market completely bound diamonds. These are diamonds that are sold with life time damage, lifetime trade-in and life time buyback policies.
C. Not as good a treatment as getting a completely bound diamond yet you can get a ruby that has an actual "certificate" as well as not a report. "Certified rubies do feature guaranties" albeit for shorter durations.
Qualification Some vendors refer to a "diamond record" as a "qualified diamond" but practically this is not deal with. From a lawful viewpoint, a diamond record is a merely an experienced opinion though in actuality, facets of a diamond rating record are not just opinions.
For example, a ruby's carat (weight) could be precisely figured out as well as its cut quality by determining its optical performance or by referring to a computer model. A certification on the various other hand is a statement of fact - a paper for which the provider approves legal obligation as well as will certainly make restitution to the customer for errors.
Some top diamond grading labs use both records and certifications. AGS provides Ruby Top quality Papers (non-certified reports) and Ruby Top quality Certificates. Diamond Quality Certifications are ready specifically for AGS retail jewelers and provides guaranties from getting involved American Gem Society member shops.
GCAL accredits it's ruby grading also. Its 100% money-back assurance plan stands for a duration of two years from the day on the relevant certification. This plan guarantees the precision of the cut, shade as well as clarity grades and the carat weight.
A report or certification ought to will certainly have a number on it that could or may not be engraved on a ruby. You will certainly be able to get in that number on the internet site of the certifying laboratory to inspect a report's legitimacy.
Elements Of A Ruby Grading Report Diamond grading records are constantly progressing but particular aspect ought to continue to be the exact same. For instance, the:
The Report #. This number is offered as well as taped in a lab's document and may or could not be etched on a diamond's girdle. You can get in the report number on a grading lab's internet site to examine the credibility of the ruby high quality report or to get more details concerning the ruby. Shape & Element Design: This is the outline and also the cutting design used for the facet plan. There are 3 standard facet styles - "fantastic cut, action cut and also combined cutting style" and 12 basic forms which consist of notables such as round brilliant as well as princess cut" diamonds.
Measurements: This describes dimension (not weight) of a ruby. Size includes dimensions such as length, size, weight and diameter. A dimension is generally detailed to the hundredth of a millimeter. Measurements play a significant function in exactly how a ruby sparkles.
Carat Weight: The weight of a diamond is measured to the hundredth of a carat weight as well as some even offer such step to the thousandth of a carat (1.123 ct.). Carat weight is one of the most objective and the easiest to comprehend of the 4Cs due to the fact that all one needs to do is weight the rock. Shade Grade: This informs you the degree of shade absence in the diamond. The less shade the higher the quality.
Diamonds are usually graded from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the ruby. You should never ever see ruby shade variety such as (G-H, I-J-K, and more) on a ruby report. You ought to only see color varieties on appraisals for stones that are placed.
Clarity Quality: Virtually every ruby has inner imperfections called inclusions as well as outside flaws called imperfections. A ruby is graded according to the size, type, place and also quantity of these imperfections.
Clearness qualities range from Flawless (FL) - Included. Labs use a pair professionals to quality the clarity of a ruby in order to create a much more accurate analysis.
Cut Grade: More recent diamond records consist of a cut quality for common round great rubies. Cut takes right into consideration the sparkle, fire and scintillation of the ruby. Cut quality ranges from Superb - Poor.
Various other aspects you may come across on a diamond record include the polish, symmetry, fluorescence as well as percentage. Armed with this details, you are much better able making an evaluation of the top quality of diamond that is mounted in an involvement ring.
___________________________________________
