Rock On: How To Pick the Perfect Diamond
Welcome to the dazzling world of diamonds, where we're about to embark on a journey that has more sparkle than a disco ball at Studio 54. Whether you’re shopping for that special someone or treating yourself to something shiny, we have all the secrets and professional tips and tricks to help you find your perfect diamond. Whether natural or lab-grown, what you are about to read here will give you the insider expertise to ensure you spend your hard-earned cash wisely.
The Fantastic Four: The four C's and why they matter when choosing your diamond.
The Four C's are the Spice Girls of the diamond world, and they each bring their unique flavour to the party.
Cut: Commonly mistaken for the shape, cut is the diamond's groove factor. A quality, well-cut diamond is like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever" - it dances with light and sparkles with the brilliance that diamonds are renowned for. Many cheaper diamonds will sport a less-than-ideal cut quality, significantly affecting how the light enters and exits the stone, giving a lackluster appearance. Less "Saturday Night fever" and more Sunday morning hangover.
Colour: No, we're not talking about rainbows here. Unless you specifically want a coloured diamond, colour is undesirable in a white (or meant to be white) diamond. Lower-quality diamonds will exhibit more on the yellow or brown side of the spectrum and not in the fancy, deliberate way a canary yellow or chocolate-coloured diamond will.
Clarity: Think of clarity as your diamond's personality. The fewer imperfections (inclusions and blemishes), the higher the clarity grading. The higher the clarity, the better the diamond refracts light and the higher the value.
Carat: Carats are the unit of measurement for the weight of the diamond. Bigger isn't always better, but it sure can be fun. Think about what suits your finger size and your budget. All the four C's work together to make up the value of your stone.
Are you a less is more kind of person? If so, you might opt for a diamond smaller in carat weight but higher in colour, clarity, and cut grading.
Maybe you fit more into the "bigger the better" camp. You might sacrifice a little in colour and clarity to gain size if that sounds like you.
Gemmologists: Use Your Diamond Detective
Now, let's talk about the real-life Sherlock Holmes of the diamond world - gemmologists. They're the ones who unveil the hidden gems (pun intended) that diamond reports might keep secret. Reports are like movie trailers; they show you the highlights but leave out the plot twists. Gemmologists dig deep, finding stuff like "surface graining" or "growth remnants" that reports conveniently forget to mention but might significantly affect how your diamond presents in real life. They're your sidekick, helping you unmask the diamond's identity. Not all diamond reports are created equal either. There are many different "laboratories" that grade diamonds but only a few that are recognised for their accuracy. They set the benchmark for diamond grading around the world, and it is not uncommon for the reports from less recognised laboratories to be out by 3 or more colour and clarity grades. A gemmologist can tell you whether a diamond grading report is worth the paper it is printed on. Be sure to have a gemmologist look over the report before you splash the cash for an online diamond sale that might just be too good to be true.
Lights, Camera, Action: Diamonds That Steal the Spotlight
Like your best side in photos, diamonds have good and bad angles. They shine differently under various lighting conditions. So, be sure to give your potential rock the complete Hollywood treatment by viewing it in natural sunlight, UV light, and cozy indoor settings. UV light will tell you if your diamond has fluorescence. Fluorescence in a diamond is a natural phenomenon where the diamond emits a soft, coloured glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. While fluorescence can add a unique character to a diamond, it's essential to consider how it may affect its appearance in different lighting conditions, as overly strong fluorescence may make the diamond appear hazy or less brilliant in natural daylight.
Bling Bloopers: Steer Clear of These Diamond Treatment No-No's
Many gemstones on the market today will have undergone some treatment to stabilise or enhance them. Some of these treatments, like heat treating or oiling (in the case of emeralds), are considered acceptable. Not all treatments are created equal. Stay far away from diamonds that have had "glass filling" or "laser drilling" as a part of their beauty regimen. It’s like Botox gone wrong – it might look good at first, but it's not aging gracefully. It will significantly reduce the diamond's value and make any repair or maintenance very risky. Even cleaning and polishing your ring can negatively affect a glass-filled diamond. When it comes to treating diamonds, going au natural is always best. You want your diamond to age like fine wine, not like the cast of a bad reality TV show.
Your Style, Your Bling: Personal Preference Matters
It's your ring, your bling, your rules. The Four C's are cool, but what really matters is whether your diamond gives you all the right feels. It's not just a piece of rock; it's an extension of you. So, trust your gut and go for what makes your heart skip a beat. Be the boss of your bling, not the other way around. Trends are great, but they are, by their very nature, temporary. You should never feel pressured into a stone that doesn't suit your own unique sense of style just because it's what TikTok says is popular right now.
What's In a Shape?
Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, just like shoes. Round, oval, pear, marquise – it's a whole geometric free for all! It can be fun to try on the different shapes and see which one gives you the warm and fuzzies. Each shape tells its unique story, and it's not just about the look but also about the symbolism.
Round: Symbolises an eternal love that never ends.
Princess: A bold shape for those who are modern and fearless
Oval: Symbolic of two people forever united.
Pear: Representative of the teardrops from joyful and shared moments.
Marquise: Like the shape of a little boat, signifying your journey through life together.
So, there you have it – a fabulously fun guide to choosing the perfect diamond. Remember, it's not just a pretty rock; it's a piece of your heart captured in one stunning stone. With this guide, you will be diamond shopping like a pro in no time, just like having your very own gemmologist in your pocket. Happy diamond hunting!
