Diamond is the hardest material known, four times harder than any other terrestrial element. It does not conduct electricity, and light passes through it at a higher speed than other gems, so it barely retains heat, being cold and silky to the touch.
Although the main thing when buying a diamond is that it catches your eye and dazzles you, there are other equally important things you should consider before choosing yours. To estimate the quality of a diamond, use the 4 Cs: clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. In this article you will learn more about it and other tips to get the best diamond possible. Although it is best to always trust your heart and let the diamond choose you, in this way, it will be for you the best diamond in the world, to which you can declare eternal love.
Ask about the Origin of Your Diamond
An ethical lab-made diamond is a diamond that has been created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than being mined from the earth. Professionals produce these diamonds using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) techniques or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Lab-made diamonds are gaining more and more popularity in the jewelry world, and for good reason. Unlike diamonds mined from the earth, humans create lab diamond stud earrings and they have no negative social impact. Additionally, they are significantly more affordable than natural diamonds, making them more accessible to the average consumer.
Ethical lab-made diamonds are an exceptional option for those looking for a diamond without the worries and costs associated with earth-mined diamonds. Diamonds mined from the earth can hurt the environment and the local communities where they are mined. Workers who mine diamonds are often exploited and underpaid, and diamond mining can cause deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
In addition to environmental and social problems, diamonds mined from the earth can also have ethical issues related to illegal diamond trafficking and trade. Diamonds can be extracted in conflict zones and used to finance wars and terrorist groups. In contrast, ethical lab-made diamonds are produced in a controlled environment, meaning there is no environmental harm or labor exploitation. Additionally, they eliminate any blood diamond issues as there are no conflicts associated with diamond mining.
Evaluate the 4cs: Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat Weight
The 4cs refer to the main characteristics of diamonds: clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. These are the most relevant elements to consider when evaluating a diamond’s physical attributes and are usually detailed in the diamond certificate. Below, you can learn more about it.
Clarity
Diamond clarity or purity is the rating of little imperfections on the surface and inside the diamonds. When defects are on the surface, they are called imperfections, and internal defects are called inclusions.
Cut
The cut is the main characteristic of diamonds because it defines the amount of light they reflect and their luminosity. The brilliant cut is the best-known and most used, but there are more. The main shapes or cuts of diamonds are emerald, marquise, pear, oval, round brilliant, princess, cushion, heart, and radiant.
Color
When a diamond is chemically pure and crystallographically perfect, it is completely transparent and has no hue or color. Based on their tone, they are classified into letters that express the quality of the diamond’s color.
Carat Weight
As with any gem, the weight of the diamond is as important a quality characteristic as the cut, purity, or color. And the price of diamonds and the jewelry that contains them increases the larger the stone.
Require a Gemological Certificate
When purchasing a valuable object, such as a mobile phone, a computer, a bag, or an appliance, it is essential to receive a warranty certificate that protects the product in case of any factory damage or deterioration. In addition, this certificate will guarantee the quality of the product you have purchased.
When it comes to diamonds, gemological certification is that guarantee. It is crucial when purchasing jewelry, especially engagement rings and other significant pieces that may have a high value not only financially. But also sentimentally.
A gemological certificate should include all the main characteristics of the diamond. It is an identity card for gemstones, and a recognized gemology laboratory or a graduate in gemology should issue it. The way to acquire it will depend on the country where you are.
Make Your Purchase in Daylight
It is crucial to buy a gemstone in daylight, on a day of good weather, and with exposure to the north. The true color of the diamond will appear under these conditions. However, in the absence of these conditions, it will be preferable to use a lamp that gives a light similar to daylight. In every good jewelry store, you can find cold-light lamps used to select diamonds. Fluorescent tubes are not recommended.
Go to a Trusted or Reputable Jewelry Store
We already know how expensive a diamond can be. Seeing a deal or bargain can be quite attractive. But you should be cautious and avoid choosing a diamond based on price alone. If you are going to spend that much money on a purchase, the best thing you can do is take all the time in the world before doing it. Research the jewelry stores within your reach, check their reputation and track record, and choose the most reliable one.
Conclusion
If this is your first time buying diamonds, you will need all the help you can get to make your best purchase. To start, you can find out the origin of your diamond and if you prefer it to have been manufactured in a laboratory. If you learn to identify elements like clarity, color, cut, and carat weight -or at least know what those terms mean- you will have a better idea of how good the diamond you are buying is.
Do not forget to demand your gemological certificate and, if possible, buy your diamond in daylight. If, in addition to all this, you also go to a reputable jewelry store, you can trust that you are making an excellent purchase.
