Diamonds are a beautiful and highly-priced stone found on various jewelry settings. When it comes to getting that stunning engagement ring, finding a quality center stone will give the ring an attractive (and romantic) shine. But not all diamonds are created equal. Some may have obvious internal inclusions, while others may display excellent clarity and color.
To ensure that you’ll get a quality stone, you should only purchase certified diamonds from an authorized diamond dealer.
Who are Authorized Diamond Dealers?
Authorized diamond dealers include online and local retailers that have met certain standards of excellence when it comes to delivering quality diamonds. An authorized retail store usually carries a set of luxurious engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fashion jewelry to help you smartly invest in the most important symbol of your love. Most of these stores have certified gemologists to not only educate you about the various grades of diamonds, but also help you to choose and even customize the ring of your dream.
Understanding the Value of Your Diamond
Diamonds come in different sizes, qualities, and shapes. While you may be misled into investing in a large diamond, the carat of your stone is not all that matters. Diamonds are evaluated based on the 4C’s: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. Colorless diamonds are the most desirable for their white and sparkling charm. Clarity, on the other hand, evaluates the level of blemishes or inclusions in the stone. As Diamond Buying Guide explains, the fact that diamonds are created under an incredible amount of pressure makes them more susceptible to flaws that range from air bubbles to cracks, and external blemishes such as scratches, pits, and chips.
While carat weight refers the size of your diamond, cut is perhaps one of the most important factors that contribute to the beauty and value of your stone. According to the American Gem Society Laboratories, the way a diamond is cut will affect its brilliance, fire, and scintillation. In general, “a well-cut diamond will have more life and sparkle than one of lesser cut quality.”
The Importance of Diamond Certification
As with any kind of certification you see on the market, the purpose of Diamond Certification is proof that a diamond has gone through an independent, unbiased exam by a third party laboratory. Certified diamonds have been examined by a professional gemologist who creates a Certification Report detailing the shape and the 4C’s of the diamond. This process is designed to safeguard consumer investment by verifying the quality of the diamond and holding jewelers accountable for the stones they sell.
Visit an authorized diamond dealer next time you or your friend go diamond shopping. Ask to see the Certification Report so you can be sure that the diamond you are about to purchase is of the best value and quality.