So what do you really look for when comparing different Diamonds at different Jewelers? The prices seem all over the board!
A One Carat (1.00) Brilliant-Cut Diamond can be anywhere from $1500 to $8000! That's a crazy difference. How is one ever really going to know if they're being ripped off or not?
Well, here's what you look for...
Clarity
Get a Clarity that's pleasing to the eye. Normally if you get a Diamond with an SI1 Clarity you'll be getting a great looking Diamond at a half-way decent price. I'm not going to kid you there, SI1 Clarity Diamonds are not the cheapest Diamonds available, they are middle of the line, but the look and sparkle you get with them are worth every penny.
Color
Get a color no less than H. (G Color is better!) But H Color and up (D-E-F-G) are good Colors to choose from. G-H are considered a Fine White Color in the Near Colorless range, while D-E-F are the highest Color Grades on the market. They are actually considered Pure White. Pure White means there is No Color! So getting a Color that's White (D-E-F-G-H) actually adds a lot of brightness and Life to Diamonds. Plus a good Color can make up for a lower quality Diamond and help hide inclusions.
Cut
Cut is a little bit harder to understand. There's a lot going on with the angles and proportions. But if you find a Diamond that's an Ideal Cut Diamond, you'll be getting a beautiful looking Diamond full of Fire and Brilliance, and that's something you won't ever regret. Read more about the 4C's of Diamond Grading!
Certified
This last one is so important to nail down. Get a Diamond that's been Certified by the best Certificate Diamond Appraiser in the World. G.I.A. I can't stress how important it is to get a Diamond graded by them. G.I.A. is the Gemological Institute of America. Trust me when I say... They are the leaders in the Diamond Industry.They wrote the book on Diamonds. G.I.A. Certified Diamonds guarantee that you're really getting what you paid for. I wouldn't buy a Diamond that wasn't G.I.A. Certified!
So if you're comparing Diamonds to Diamonds, make sure you're comparing G.I.A. Certified Diamonds to G.I.A. Certified Diamonds. Get a Near Colorless Diamond like G or H. Get a Diamond with a Clarity rating of SI1. And if you can get a great Cut that's Ideal, then you'll know that you got yourself a really great deal!
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