A Short Guide for First Time Diamond Buyers

Buying a diamond for the first time can be a daunting task. Diamonds are expensive, complex, and often come with a lot of emotional significance. How can you make sure you are getting the best value and quality for your money? Here are some of the common issues that first-time diamond buyers face and how to overcome them.

One of the first issues that first-time diamond buyers face is setting a realistic budget and sticking to it. Diamonds can vary widely in price depending on their cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Before buying a diamond, you should review your finances and decide how much you can afford to spend. Then, you should look at diamond prices online or in stores to see what kind of diamonds fit your budget.

However, you may find that your budget does not allow you to buy the diamond of your dreams. In that case, you may have to compromise on some aspects of the diamond. However, compromising does not mean settling for a low-quality or bargain-priced diamond. In fact, there are no good deals in diamonds; there are only fair deals. If a diamond seems too cheap compared to others of similar weight, there is probably something wrong with it.

Instead of compromising on quality, you should compromise on size. You can still get a beautiful and sparkling diamond if you opt for a lower carat weight than if you buy a large but poorly cut or flawed diamond. You can also enhance the appearance of your diamond by choosing a flattering setting or adding side stones.

Another issue that first-time diamond buyers face is deciding whether to buy a mined or lab grown diamonds. Mined diamonds are natural diamonds that are extracted from the earth through mining or other methods.

Lab grown diamonds are becoming more popular among first-time buyers because they identical to mined diamonds, but grown in a controlled environment.   Some people consider lab grown diamonds as more ethical and environmentally friendly than mined diamonds because they do not involve any conflict or exploitation of miners

Colored gemstones are another option for first-time buyers who want something different from diamonds. Sapphires are the most popular gemstone for engagement rings other than diamonds, but we have made engagement rings from pearls and opals too.  However, not all gemstones are suitable for daily wear because they may be softer or more prone to damage than diamonds.

One of the most important issues that first-time diamond buyers face is understanding how cut quality affects the appearance and value of a diamond. Cut quality refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and polished by skilled craftsmen to maximize its brilliance (white light reflection), fire (colored light dispersion), and scintillation (sparkle). Cut quality also determines how well-proportioned the diamond facets are cut from the rough stone.

Another issue that first-time diamond buyers face is verifying the authenticity and quality of their diamond. Diamonds are valuable and rare, but they are also subject to fraud and misrepresentation. How can you be sure that the diamond you are buying is real and not a fake or a simulant? How can you be sure that the diamond’s quality matches its price and description?

One way to check the quality of your diamond is to look at its grading report or certificate. This is a document issued by an independent gemological laboratory that evaluates and grades your diamond based on its 4Cs and other characteristics. The most reputable laboratory is the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).   For lab grown diamonds, we have found the GIA equally as competent along with GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab).

A grading report will tell you everything you need to know about your diamond’s quality, such as its exact measurements, weight, color grade, clarity grade, cut grade, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, etc. It will also include a diagram of your diamond’s proportions and any inclusions or blemishes it may have. A grading report will also have a unique identification number that matches a laser inscription on your diamond’s girdle.

However, a grading report does not tell you how much your diamond is worth. For that, you need an appraisal. An appraisal is an estimate of your diamond’s value based on its quality, market conditions, supply and demand, etc. An appraisal is usually done by a qualified appraiser who has experience in valuing diamonds.