Buying a diamond is a lot like buying a car: you can’t just dive in blind and expect to walk away with a quality item. Making big purchases requires a lot of work. You need to know exactly what it is you’re looking for and, unfortunately, you can’t rely on salespeople to do all the heavy lifting. Most jewelers have vast knowledge that they’re happy to share with you, but that doesn’t mean that you can just let them call all the shots. Buying a diamond requires you to do plenty of research, and luckily we can help you with that!

Research

Before you head out to purchase a diamond, you’re going to want to do some important research first. Start with learning about the four C’s of diamond grading: Cut. Clarity. Color. Carat. They are the most important elements that describe a diamond and are often found on the diamond’s grading sheet.

You’re also going to want to find jewelers and gemologists that have been GIA-certified, are honest, and have a lot of experience.

The 7 C’s of Buying a Diamond

Doing your research before making your big diamond purchase can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but luckily there are just some simple steps you need to remember as you get started. These seven steps or C’s will help save you a lot of stress and make shopping a breeze. These steps are heavily influenced by the four C’s of diamond grading.

The first C in diamond buying is choosing the carat of diamond you want. The carat is a diamond's size and weight, and represents a determining factor in its price. Next, you’ll want to choose the shape you’re looking for. Are you interested in a classic emerald cut or do you want something more brilliant like a round diamond? It’s best to know this before you head to your local jeweler.

The third C is choosing the quality of the gem’s cut, which will help you find the most beautiful gem. After you’ll want to choose your diamond’s color. It’s good to know that a diamond’s shape affects the color of the gem as well as its price.

Next, you’ll want to take a look at the clarity of the gem. Check for cloudiness or any blemishes that may affect the appearance of the stone. If it looks clear to you then it’s time to make a choice about the gem’s symmetry, fluorescence, and polish. These three factors affect the shine and sparkle of the diamond. And finally, check for the gem’s certificate. The best diamond certificates come from the GIA and the AGS. It’s always best practice to buy a diamond with certification to protect yourself and your investment.

If you have any other questions about buying a diamond, contact Ralph Mueller and Associates or call us at 480.949.9299. Our knowledgable staff can help you out.