How to Buy the Best Diamond For Your Money

!±8± How to Buy the Best Diamond For Your Money

If you want to buy the best diamond that will fit your budget, then there are basically four things that you should consider when selecting a diamond. Carat weight, cut, clarity and cut are the four C's to check out when it comes to analyzing whether or not a diamond is of high quality. Of course as is the case with any product, the more you have to spend the higher quality you will get. But if you know your C's and compare retailers, you can still purchase a good diamond for even a relatively modest budget. Here's what to look for when searching for a diamond.

Carat Weight - Carat is the term used to define the weight of a diamond. Carat can refer to a single stone weight or a total diamond weight when a piece of jewelry has more than one stone in a setting. A carat is in direct relation to millimeters in the jewel business and can be more understandable in those terms. For example, a.25 carat diamond is equivalent to 3.4mm in size and so on. Since there are many variations in the shape of a stone, the size will vary. Always ask your jewel retailer to explain the weight of a stone in which you are interested.

Cut - The appearance of a diamond is displayed through the shape in which the stone is cut. The cut affects how light is refracted and reflected which makes a stone sparkle. There are many cuts available in stones, but if you're looking for the best cut, look for an 'ideal cut.'

Clarity - This always describes the imperfections found in any particular stone. The fewer imperfections and blemishes, the higher quality the jewel. The price also climbs higher as imperfections are fewer.

Color - Interestingly, diamonds are graded on having little to no color as the best stones. An almost clear stone is considered the very best quality while other grades such as near colorless and faint color start the decent into less quality. An obviously colored stone is of much less value than a colorless. Be sure to check a jewel's color when you are seriously considering a particular stone.

While it may seem easy to choose a stone that is beautiful, it is often difficult to determine the several important elements that make up a good stone without the help of a reputable jeweler or gemologist. When you are searching for the right jewel, be sure to ask plenty of questions before you choose the best diamond for your money.