5 Tips on What To Look For When Buying Diamonds For Wedding Rings
A wedding, or an engagement in Calistoga, 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 Calistoga, 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 Calistoga. 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 Calistoga 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 Calistoga for you engagement or wedding.
Calistoga 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.
How to Buy a Diamond And The 4 Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Diamond
Calistoga
Diamonds are normally offered in a very large range of colors. Many individuals find out about colorless rubies as well as GIA's shade grading system that is utilized to classify a ruby's body color ... you know D, E, F, and so on. This color grading system is just used to categorize the most typical ruby body color of yellow nonetheless anytime a ruby is discovered in an additional color like pink, blue, eco-friendly, and so on; after that this diamond is referred to as a "" expensive ruby"".
Natural Fancy rubies could be very pricey and also often times more costly compared to a similar dimension anemic ruby. An excellent instance of a Fancy diamond is the well known 45.52 carat elegant deep blue ruby, the Hope Diamond, which gets on display screen in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC.
A color boosted ruby is a 100% natural diamond that has actually had its color altered. And most importantly, shade improved diamonds been available in an extremely large option of shades at extremely cost effective rates!
A little background- For many, years it has actually been popular that a ruby's color might be "" improved"" by placing a little tinted substance externally of a ruby and much like magic ... a diamond that had a recognizable yellowish color would certainly alter to an extra attractive near colorless diamond. However, this kind of color improved diamond might alter back to its initial body color if this tinted substance was unintentionally eliminated. In even more recent years, the modern technology of shade enhanced rubies has actually gone extremely advanced. It is currently feasible to completely change the shade of a diamond! These processes are thought about permanent since it does stay stable when exposed to day-to-day normal conditions. The shade will certainly not discolor if exposed to sunshine or be cleaned off by harsh chemicals.
Exactly how is it done? The preferred result of any of these treatments is to have a more valuable ruby. A much less valuable diamond would certainly be a diamond that has a reduced body color or sometimes a reduced clearness. The color improved ruby treatment firms understand if they begin with a specific sort of ruby and also process it for a certain amount of time that they need to finish up with a specific color however it does not constantly function this way. This is a scientific research that does need some art in their procedures ... the only procedure that offers regular results is the finish process.
The three procedures are as follows- Refine # 1- HPHT Shade Boosted Diamonds- High Stress/ High Temperature Level (HPHT) treatment can improve the shade of specific sorts of brown diamonds and also hence increase their worth. General Electric has actually established a process that practically is a mechanical simulation of a diamond's creation in nature. The shade boosted diamond will be warmed up to an extremely heat under a very high, stabilized stress. Faults in the crystal structure are then rearranged causing a modification of the diamond's shade. Due to the fact that the problems of HPHT are extremely comparable to diamond's original development, only a well geared up lab will certainly be able to positively identify this sort of color boosted diamond. HPHT was initially utilized to turn yellow-colored diamonds right into more marketable fancy tinted enhanced rubies, yet currently it is also made use of to change some unpopular brownish rubies into better anemic tinted enhanced rubies.
Refine # 2- Irradiated Shade Enhanced Diamonds- OK ... do not begin getting all excited due to the fact that you saw words irradiated! This is a 100% risk-free process that is really comparable to just what is made use of to maintain food by subjecting it to a stream of Gamma rays. The color improved ruby procedure is carried out in several different methods however the outcomes are just the same. You start with a low color (P, Q, R, etc.) 100% all-natural ruby that has already been reduced as well as polished, then it is subjected to a stream of fast electrons. Throughout this component of the process the ruby will certainly rely on a really dark color since several of the atoms in the diamond's crystal framework have actually now been dislocated and this consequently has actually impacted the way light passes via the diamond. Next the diamond experiences a controlled home heating (annealing) process, this allows several of those atoms to move (partially fixed) in order to get a preferred color.
Refine # 3- Covered Shade Improved Diamonds- The finishing on polished rubies refers to a slim fabricated layer that modifies the color of the ruby. The covering could either be of the preferred color or can cause a tinted interference-effect. Regrettably occasionally this procedure is done to trick a buyer. It is a relatively easy procedure to perform, it has been around for years (although the coatings products are better currently), and it does not call for a great deal of expensive high technology tools. Lately, I have actually seen some pink coated diamonds on the market, they are very attractive ... and naturally you would need to purchase them knowing that they have actually been coated as well as follow your jewelry expert's guidelines concerning owning and also caring for these color enhanced diamonds. The coating can be put on the entire of a ruby's surface, simply all-time low of the ruby, or to a narrow area near the girdle. A well-applied finishing could change the shade by one or more color grade. Some layers could be removed via boiling in acid, solid cleaning remedies, or perhaps household chemicals. In some cases dots or bigger areas of purple or blue ink are paintinged on the diamond in order to help counteract a yellowish shade. The diamond's setup will normally cover the dots, so they are challenging to see in a mounted stone.
So, is a color enhanced ruby right for you? Perhaps ... natural elegant color rubies could be beautiful but they are costly! Color boosted rubies are cost effective as well as permit lots of people to have a brilliantly tinted ruby. Ask your local jewelry expert if they have any kind of Fancy diamonds ... either all-natural or shade improved diamonds. It is constantly interesting, and also fun, to take a look at something various!
Under normal wear the irradiated and HPHT shade improved diamonds will certainly have not a problem of the shade fading away. The only consideration will be when you need to have any kind of type of solution done on the piece of precious jewelry. If this kind of shade improved ruby is subjected to excessive amounts of warmth it could impact the color. The jewelry expert will need to know that the diamond is a shade improved ruby before any work is done and after that the jeweler will certainly be able to choose the most effective training course of activity. Color improved diamonds are now likewise made use of as the small accent diamonds around a larger colorless ruby. There are several interesting items of fashion jewelry available with small blue, yellow, black, or environment-friendly color enhanced rubies.
Since you learn about color improved diamonds and also someone tries to sell you on what they call a natural fancy colored ruby yet it is at an incredibly bargain rate ... you will understand that something simply does not sound ideal concerning the offer. A report from a recognized grading lab must go along with all all-natural Fancy tinted rubies that are marketed as all-natural. If you manage a reliable business and you have actually been assured regarding what you are purchasing, after that you will lessen the opportunity of something bad happening to you. Similar to any scenario entailing a pricey acquisition of something that few individuals are experienceded in, education ought to be an essential component of your strategy. This is much more crucial if you intend to buy a color improved ruby. Bud Boland has actually remained in the jewelry company for 40 years and has done whatever from watchmaking, ruby setup, jewelry making, and has actually been a Gemologist for virtually 35 years. He is a Grad Gemologist from GIA (Gemological Institute of America), which is likewise the place where he was an Instructor. He has instructed about diamonds to hundreds of students from throughout the world
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