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How to Buy Diamonds: Key Factors Every Buyer Should Know

The Diamond Connoisseur's Handbook: What Every Buyer Must Understand.

If you’re considering how to buy diamonds, grasping the significance of the 4 Cs – Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat – is your initial step. However, what’s often missing from the conversation is a comprehensive explanation of how to effectively employ these metrics. This concern becomes all the more pertinent when you’re venturing into the realm of purchasing diamond parcels or exploring the world of fancy color diamonds, which presents an entirely distinct set of challenges and considerations.

Let’s delve deeply into the intricate process of evaluating diamonds before making an informed decision.
DIAMOND_CUT_GIA
Diamond through a loupe

Understanding how you should assess diamonds:

Begin with the easier part – checking the diamond’s size. Weight is vital for valuation. Remember, larger diamonds are rarer in their category. For instance, a 20ct D I1 diamond is rarer than a 1ct D I1 diamond. Does that make sense? Now, let’s move forward.
Assessing color is more intricate than evaluating size, yet it’s simpler than deciphering clarity. This task demands either years of experience or access to a color master set. Utilizing the master set, meticulously compare the diamond’s color with each master shade to identify the closest match to the diamond you intend to purchase.
diamonds Color Scale GIA
This is where complexity arises. To scrutinize clarity, equip yourself with a x10 loupe and tweezers. Gently grip the diamond using the tweezers, finding that delicate balance between not pressing too hard (which could cause the diamond to spring) and not being too light (allowing it to slip). Position the loupe near your eye and bring the diamond into focus, then embark on the quest for inclusions. Examine both internally and externally for cracks, black spots, cloudy areas, or scratches.
Diamond through a loupe

Understanding how you should assess diamonds:

Begin with the easier part – checking the diamond’s size. Weight is vital for valuation. Remember, larger diamonds are rarer in their category. For instance, a 20ct D I1 diamond is rarer than a 1ct D I1 diamond. Does that make sense? Now, let’s move forward.
Assessing color is more intricate than evaluating size, yet it’s simpler than deciphering clarity. This task demands either years of experience or access to a color master set. Utilizing the master set, meticulously compare the diamond’s color with each master shade to identify the closest match to the diamond you intend to purchase.
diamonds Color Scale GIA
This is where complexity arises. To scrutinize clarity, equip yourself with a x10 loupe and tweezers. Gently grip the diamond using the tweezers, finding that delicate balance between not pressing too hard (which could cause the diamond to spring) and not being too light (allowing it to slip). Position the loupe near your eye and bring the diamond into focus, then embark on the quest for inclusions. Examine both internally and externally for cracks, black spots, cloudy areas, or scratches.
Shape assessment is straightforward – a visual inspection suffices. However, evaluating cut grade necessitates an exploration of the diamond’s ratio and depth. Calculate the ratio by dividing length by width, while depth entails dividing girdle diameter by table to culet length, then multiplying by 100. With the assistance of a x10 loupe, meticulously explore the diamond’s facets, being attentive to extra facets, culet quality, crown angle, girdle thickness, and table size. These intricacies greatly influence the diamond’s brilliance or “fire.”
So, we’ve covered all the 4Cs, allowing us to grade our diamonds. However, beyond the 4Cs, remember to examine additional factors: fluorescence, color shade (relevant for colors F to Z), and the diamond’s origin. These elements can also impact the price and value of a diamond!

Now, let's move on to valuating the diamond:

To arrive at a diamond’s value, amalgamate all the aspects you’ve scrutinized thus far. Utilize price lists like the Rappaport Round price list for round Diamonds and resort to the pear shape price list for fancy shape diamonds like Pears, Marquise, ovals, radiants etc. Match the diamond’s color and clarity to the price list. Then, contemplate discounts based on factors such as inclusion type, cut quality, polish, symmetry, fluorescence and market demand.

diamond-price-chart

For example, if the diamond possesses a beautiful D IF grade with perfect proportions and excellent cutting quality, but it’s an oval shape, and ovals haven’t demonstrated strong selling records recently, this will impact the price. Or consider a scenario where we have two F VS2 diamonds, identical in shape and cutting grade, yet one have a small pinpoint on the side while the other exhibits a black spot in the center. Which of the two do you think will command a higher price? Alternatively, imagine a round diamond with a D color, VVS1 clarity, and an excellent cutting grade, but it also bears strong blue fluorescence. Are you beginning to grasp the concept?

Remember, all the insights shared thus far pertain to colorless diamonds. The narrative transforms when it comes to fancy-colored or uniquely hued diamonds, but that’s a topic best suited for another article. So if you’re seeking further guidance on the art of purchasing diamonds or require a consultation for a specific diamond in your contemplation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via WhatsApp, email, or direct message on Instagram. And if you’re enthusiastic about delving deeper into the world of diamonds, consider subscribing to our newsletter for timely updates on new articles and captivating diamond-related information.

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