Diamond Buying Guide
Whether you're searching for the perfect engagement ring  or buying the anniversary gift your partner will always remember, the prospect of purchasing diamonds can be intimidating. But if you consider a few simple points each time you buy diamonds for someone special, you can ensure a less stressful search and guarantee that you'll get the best stone for your money.
You can't afford to do it any other way, literally.
The Four C's
Set a shining example for your friends by sticking to the four C's of diamond buying. The diamond industry has pegged these as some of the most important categories to consider when buying the most precious of all gemstones. - Cut
- The cut is probably the most important of the categories and is not to be confused with shape. While diamonds come in all sorts of shapes, from the typical round to the more quirky pear and heart, the cut is what gives it its shine, and essentially, its beauty. The amount and arrangement of the diamond's facets and the reflection given off by those facets are the factors that ultimately determine cut.
- Diamonds that follow a strict formula to maximize light-catching brilliance are often rated best among industry experts. This formula deals mostly with the diamond's proportions, specifically how its depth compares to its diameter. The diamond is then graded using the following labels: ideal, premium, very good, good, fair and poor.
- Make sure you always ask your jeweller for a grading report to determine which cut you're getting.
- And of course, the better the cut, the higher the price.
- Carat Weight
- Diamonds are weighed in carats with one carat weighing about the same as a paper clip, or 0.2 grams.
- The larger the diamond, the more carats it has. But this doesn't necessarily mean the bigger rocks are better. A large diamond may have many carats, but be lacking in colour or cut; this will often help to decrease the price.
- Determining what carat size is right for you means striking an important balance between size, quality and budget.
- Colour
- Everyone wants a colourless diamond because they reflect the most light. But very few diamonds are truly colourless, so the closer you can get to clear, the higher the price. (Except for the purposefully coloured bright blues or yellows, for instance, which are just as expensive as their white counterparts.)
- The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grades colour on a scale of D to Z, with D denoting colourless and Z denoting a light yellow tint. And while D through F are technically the highest grade, G through I look just as good to the naked eye, and will cost you less.
- Clarity
- Because they are created deep within the earth under extreme pressure, most diamonds contain certain markings called inclusions (on the inside of the stone) and blemishes (on the outside of the stone). These markings can often make the diamonds more or less expensive depending on their number and position on or within the stone.
- Using the GIA Diamond Grading System, diamonds are given a clarity grade that ranges from Flawless to Included. But going down a grade can't often be noticed unless you have a magnifying glass. The only thing it will affect is your wallet.
- Inclusions include flaws like air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals found within the diamond.
- Blemishes include pits, chips and scratches.
Choosing the Right Shape
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Round - The most popular cut.
- The most researched cut.
- Gives you the most flexibility to balance between cut, colour and clarity.
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Emerald
- The bottom of this diamond is cut with rectangular facets.
- This shape makes clarity very noticeable.
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Princess - Has a traditional square shape with pointed corners.
- Popular engagement ring choice.
- Can vary on just how square it is, so ask for measurements.
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Asscher - Most like the emerald cut, but square instead of rectangular.
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Oval - Symmetrical, much like the round diamond cut.
- Popular for small hands or short fingers, as it has an elongating effect.
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Cushion
- Also known as a pillow cut.
- Has rounded edges and more facets for an increased shine.
- Antique style.
- Can be square or rectangular.
- This cut also highlights clarity, so be wary of this when choosing the size.
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Heart - Made by the diamond cutter.
- Look for evenness in shape and a clearly defined outline.
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Pear - Resembles a tear drop.
- Is a unique combination of the marquise and oval shapes.
- Works best on earrings and necklaces.
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Radiant
- Is often a compromise between round and emerald.
- Characterized by trimmed edges, making it more versatile.
- Can be square or rectangular.
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Marquise - Characterized by two pointed ends.
- Often used as the centrepiece of a ring, with smaller diamonds on either side of the setting.
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