Smart Diamond Buying

Thinking of buying a diamond engagement or wedding ring, but worried you don't know enough?

According the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) -- the world's foremost gemological authority -- buying the diamond of your dreams should be worry free if you follow three basic
steps: Choose a professional jeweler, learn about the 4C's of diamond quality and value, and for the ultimate peace of mind, ask for a diamond grading report.

STEP 1: Choose a qualified jeweler.

The jewelry industry is built upon integrity, and a jeweler's reputation is one of his/her most valuable assets. The other is expert gemological knowledge. Choose your jeweler as you would choose any other professional. Check a jeweler’s qualifications, look for affiliations with industry groups and professional associations, and note how long the jeweler has been in business.

A professional jeweler will explain the 4C's of diamond quality and value and encourage you to compare diamonds to suit your price range. Your jeweler will also explain that the key to a diamond's value is its rarity. Rarity is determined by a diamond's unique characteristics. That is why a small stone of exceptional clarity and brilliance may be more valuable than a larger stone of lower quality.

STEP 2: Learn the 4C's

The 4C's -- Carat weight, Clarity, Color and Cut -- are the criteria used by the jewelry industry to determine the quality and value of a diamond. From the diamond cutting centers in New York, Antwerp and Tel Aviv, to the family-owned jewelry retailer, the 4C's are the universal language that transcends all dialects.

Here is a brief overview:

Carat Weight: Diamonds are weighed using metric carats (ct.). A carat weighs about the same as a small paper clip. Just as a dollar is divided into 100 pennies, a carat is divided into 100 "points". This means that a diamond of 50 points weighs .5 carats. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very different values depending on their clarity, color and cut.

Clarity: Most diamonds contain unique birthmarks called "inclusions" (internal) and "blemishes" (external). The fewer the birthmarks, the rarer the diamond -- and rarity translates to cost. Using the GIA diamond grading system, a clarity grade is assigned ranging from flawless (f) to stones with more prominent imperfections (I3).

Color: Colorless diamonds are extremely rare and highly valued. Most are nearly colorless with yellow or brown tints. The GIA diamond grading system's color scale begins at D (colorless) and ends at Z (light yellow or brown). A professional jeweler will demonstrate the subtle differences between color grades.

Cut: Don't confuse cut with shape. While there are lots of different shapes, from round brilliant to hearts, pears, and marquise, cut has to do with proportions. A master diamond cutter will cut a diamond's proportions to reflect the most light. The well-cut diamond uses light to create brilliance, sparkle and flashes of fire.

STEP 3: Ask for a diamond grading report.

Increasingly, professional jewelers provide independent diamond grading reports with their fine diamonds. Ask about a diamond grading report when considering a purchase. A professional jeweler can arrange to have your diamond independently graded -- to provide the ultimate peace of mind.

Diamond inscription is the latest romantic trend. Prove your undying love by writing it in stone. Our store has been doing a great deal of laser inscribing. In the new trend, a micro laser beam is used to engrave a personal message on the edge (girdle) of a diamond weighing one-quarter carat or more. Invisible to the naked eye, an inscription can be easily read under magnification and provides the ultimate in consumer confidence. This service is available through most local jewelers.

Buying a diamond is a very special experience. Your attraction to the stone's beauty, combined with knowledge of the three basic steps, can help you shop with confidence.