The concept of a perfect diamond ring varies among individuals, although in the jewelry industry, it has a clear and authoritative meaning. The perfect diamond in the professional sense is one that's pure and colorless, but it can also refer to the cut, weight, shape and symmetry. Here's a closer look at what defines the perfect diamond ring.

Starting With the 4Cs

Many jewelry enthusiasts are aware of the 4Cs that GIA and AGS members use to measure diamond quality and assess value. Those factors are cut, clarity, color and carat. Each of these four factors contributes to what is considered a perfect diamond. The diamond that commands the most value is cut sharply, has clarity with no inclusions, appears to be colorless, and is big in size and heavy in weight.

Sharp cuts are what give a diamond its sparkle. So the cut needs to be made by an experienced professional jeweler who emphasizes brightness, light dispersion with rainbow effect,s and sparkle caused by light reflections on cut facets that form a design pattern. The round brilliant cut delivers the most brightness and sparkle.

GIA's scale for diamond color uses the letters of the alphabet D-Z. Colorless diamonds have a D rating, which means they're perfect. Not only are colorless diamonds rare, they are among the most valuable. The average diamond lover can tell the difference between a D diamond and a Z diamond, which has a yellow or brown hue.

When it comes to rating diamond clarity, GIA divides the scale into 6 categories that are further subdivided. These categories consider inclusions or blemishes that can be readily observed on the diamond. It's considered "flawless" if absolutely no inclusions or blemishes are visible. On the opposite side of the scale, it's considered "included" if the marks are obvious and diminish transparency and brilliance.

Diamond weight also contributes to quality and value in the global jewelry marketplace. The gems are measured in carats, in which one carat equals one-fifth of a gram. The more the diamonds weighs, the more value it commands.

Perfect Diamond Rings

The perfect diamond ring for a bride might not have anything to do with the 4Cs and relate more to personal preferences. Many times people associate diamonds with emotions, an individual, or a special experience. In a way, that opens the door for any diamond to be perfect from a personal perspective. The perfect diamond ring is often one that's customized in a special way. The bride isn't interested in selling the ring, so she will assign sentimental value to it.

How To Verify Diamond Purity

When shopping for a diamond ring, you should only buy from a dealer that is a member of the Gemology Institute of America (GIA) and American Gemological Society (AGS). Such a member is committed to giving fair market appraisals for gems and can verify the diamond's certificate based on its physical properties. It's best to avoid non-members, since they don't always commit to the same industry standards and ethics that protect consumers.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect diamond ring can mean different things to different people. For those who follow the diamond business, it means working with a professional gemologist who pays attention to the 4Cs. Contact us at Ralph Mueller & Associates to learn more about the perfect diamond ring of your dreams. As GIA members, we can also provide you with fair appraisals on the value of your jewelry.