|
1) Shape. There are
many different shapes out there to choose from, with the two (2)
most popular being the round shape and the princess or square
shape. First decide what shape you would like to get your lovely
lady and go from there!
2) Diamond Certificate or Grading Report. A Diamond Certificate or
Grading Report verifies credential of a diamond’s authenticity and
quality. Here are some noted labs that produce premier reports:
Gemological
Institute of America (GIA),
American Gem Society (AGS)
European
Gemological Laboratory (EGL).
3) Fluorescence. If possible, buy a diamond with medium or faint
or no fluorescence. A diamond's value increases with the absence
of fluorescence. You cannot really see the blue glow (under UV
rays) until you have a strong or very strong fluorescent diamond.
Please note however that fluorescence is a common phenomenon in
diamonds.
4) Nice Cut. Of all the 4 C's, cut has the greatest effect on a
diamond’s beauty. In determining the quality of the cut, the
grader evaluates the cutter’s skill in the fashioning of the
diamond; technology assesses the diamond’s light performance. The
more precise the cut, the more captivating the diamond is to the
eye.
5) ID laser inscribed. Buy a diamond that has been microscopically
inscribed on its girdle with a unique Identification Number (ID).
A laser inscription allows for easy identification of a diamond,
and can be used when you are insuring your engagement ring.
6) Conflict Free. A promise with the diamond that it is coming
from a Kimberley Process-certified source to show the diamond is
conflict free and has NOT supported any civil wars in Africa. In
2000, a coalition of governments, non-governmental organizations
and the diamond industry worked together to address this issue. In
2002, they established the Kimberley Process Certification System,
a UN-backed process that has virtually eliminated the trade in
conflict diamonds.
For more information on conflict diamonds,
click here
7) Color. The color of a diamond is of personal taste. Fancy
colored diamonds such as fancy yellow are very vogue but also very
expensive. If you are however looking for your classic "white"
diamond, we recommend anywhere between G-J to be the most pleasing
to both the eye and wallet.
8) Side Inclusions. Most inclusions cannot be seen without some
magnification used. If there are inclusions (i.e., clouds,
crystals, feathers, knots etc.) in the table of the diamond, it is
better to have the inclusion on the side and not right in the
center.
9) Polish and Symmetry. The two categories that define the finish
of a diamond are - polish and symmetry. Polish and symmetry is
assessed on a scale consisting of excellent, very good, good, fair
and poor. It is not surprising that we have found the most
beautiful diamonds to have a polish or symmetry rating of very
good or excellent.
10) A Couple Points
Higher. If you want a diamond that is 1 carat, we recommend you
buy a diamond that is 1.02 carats or higher. While a diamond is
the hardest material known to man with a rate of 10 on Mohs
Hardness Scale, this superior hardness doesn't make it
indestructible. A diamond has the property known as "cleavage" and
thus can break or chip...this is why you want to get a diamond a
couple points higher then your target carat weight, just in case
it chips.
 |
