Buying diamond jewelry can seem intimidating at first for a man who many not be all that familiar with diamonds. There are lots of fancy words about cut, carat, color, and letters and numbers that symbolize different grades. When purchasing diamond jewelry, there are a few key points to keep in mind that will help make the process simpler.
There are numerous manufacturers of diamond shape rings that can provide expertly crafted and flawless rings. However, choosing a ring isn’t just a walk in the park. There are handy tips used by many jewelers that will help an average buyer like you get the best out of the money you spend.
First, walk in like a professional diamond buyer with an air of confidence. Next, start asking intelligent questions about cut, clarity, color and weight. The sales person will automatically assume you know more about diamond buying than the majority of the people that walk in the door and will be less likely to try and pull the wool over your eyes.
This same type of criteria should also apply to anything you encounter in the online world of diamonds. I am amazed by the amount of incorrect information about diamonds that exists on the Internet. The people dispensing this misinformation are saying that they can save you 70% or $2,987.43 on your next diamond purchase and at the same time they are trying to sell you their new e-book “The Diamond Secrets that jewelers don’t want you to know!” for $97.
For diamond Clarity, any diamond rated SI or higher is considered “eye clean”. This means that you don’t need to invest in a VS or higher Clarity diamond because the difference can only be discerned under 10-power magnification. The best value is often an I1 Clarity diamond with minute white crystal inclusions. The cost difference between an I1 Clarity grade and a VVS Clarity grade can be as much as 400%. Although bargain prices can be found on the lowest Clarity grades of I2 and I3, the majority of diamonds in this grade will appear either dark or very dull and cloudy.
Very Good is a term used for a diamond that is usually larger, has a fair amount of light reflection and a good deal of brilliance but can be purchased slightly below a Premium Cut.
As you can see, none of the other factors have the same consistently high impact on diamond prices as carat weight. If you stay below 1 carat, and apply the ideal grade ranges listed above, you’re certain to find a great value.