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How to Choose the Best Diamond: Step by Step Guide For years, I have noticed that one thing many purchasers of diamonds have in common is confusion. With so many options, especially online, it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. Often, the search for a diamond tends to lurch from one shape or quality to another as the buyer tries to find the right balance of size, color, clarity, and cut. With that in mind, here is a simple guide for choosing a diamond. (An expanded version of diamond buying tips is also available if you are interested in more guidance).
Step 1:
Choose your diamond shape. Here, personal preference dictates. The recipient probably has a preference; you just need to find out what it is. Ask questions, watch what catches her eye in magazines and display windows, or just listen. If you are near the proposal stage in your relationship, she is probably ready and willing to drop a few helpful hints.
Step 2:
Set your diamond carat weight minimum, again based on the recipient's preferences. In engagement rings, one to two carats is a common size; however, plenty of couples start out with something smaller to stick within their budget.
Step 3:
Now, start with the highest quality diamonds you can find with your designated shape and carat weight. From here we can start narrowing it down. (I would also suggest excluding any diamond that does not have diamond certification from AGS or GIA ).
A. First, lower the Diamond Clarity. Go as low as VS2 before you make compromises in any other area.
B. Next, lower the Diamond Color. Go as low as H before making any other concessions.
C. Finally, lower the Diamond Cut. Go as low as Very Good in round diamonds, Good in fancy shapes. Because cut has the most impact on a diamond's overall appearance, it is the last thing we compromise.
If at any point during this sequence you find a diamond that meets your budget, you should consider buying it.
Step 4:
If after working through the last step, no diamond meets your budget, go through another round of adjustments with new cut-offs as follows:
A. First, lower Clarity to as low as SI1 (the lowest grade at which inclusions are generally still invisible to the naked eye).
B. Next, lower Color to as low as J (or to K if you know the diamond will be set in yellow gold).
C. Finally, lower the Cut to as low as Good.
Step 5:
If at this point there are still no diamonds that fall within your budget, it's time to either rethink your budget or your target carat size. Don’t go lower than the thresholds given above. Better a smaller diamond of exceptional appearance, than a large dull stone. Remember, with most jewelers, you can trade up over time.
No guide is perfect for everyone's needs. The purpose of this one is to get you started. You may decide to adjust some of the steps to fit your personal taste, but the overall process of narrowing the field should work just as well.
Hope this helps,
Alan Ricks
Diamond Consultant
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Comments
Diamond Cut Is The Most Important
Very nice article and thanks for sharing with us all however I want to add that I would never compromise on the diamond cut. This is the part that is most important when it comes to the 4 C's. The quality of the cut directly influences the way light reacts in the diamond and thats what gives the dimaond it's brilliance and sparkle. If the cut is to shallow or to deep then the light will escape the diamond and therefore you'll lose some sparkle.
I won't settle for anything less than an ideal cut. Click here for a chart on how light reacts in the diamond with the different cuts.
Regards,
Jan