Sponsored content

Whether it is a diamond ring for an engagement, a sentimental gift for someone special, or even an individual self-indulgent purchase, choosing the perfect diamond is a decision that lasts a lifetime. Diamonds have extensive value and even give status to people. It is important to note that to make the right decision, you should be aware of the features that make it valuable, such as clarity, cut, and carat weight, also referred to as the “Three Cs”. Each of these essential elements is likely to influence a diamond’s worth. This essay guides you to thoughtfully invest in a diamond and not overspend based on illusionary values.

The 3 Cs You Need to Know Before Buying Diamonds

As mentioned before, a diamond’s grade is made up of four Cs: clarity, cut, carat, and colour. You can strike the perfect balance when all 4 Cs are accounted for.

Let’s break it down one at a time:

• Clarity defines the level of internal inclusions or blemishes a diamond has.
• Cut refers to the facets of the diamond through which its brilliance is determined.
• Carat reflects the size and weight of the diamond.
• Colour: The degree of colourless of a diamond. 

Although they are equally important, however, clarity, cut, and carat mostly influence a diamond’s appeal and value most significantly. 

How Clear Is Your Diamond?

Now let’s discuss about clarity of the diamond, which means how clear your diamond is. Since diamonds are formed deep in the earth over millions of years, these diamonds contain small interior flaws called inclusions and sometimes scratches on the surface known as blemishes. While these markings do not affect the beauty of the diamond, they do affect the grade of the diamond.

This is how GIA’s grading system reveals the purity of a diamond using clarity grades:

• FL/IF: Perfect under a jeweler’s microscope
• VVS ((Very Very Slightly Included)): Has teeny-tiny marks even experts struggle to spot
• VS (Very Slightly Included): Small marks visible under magnification but not to your eye
• SI (Slightly Included): You might see some specs if you look closely
• I (Included): Noticeable marks that give your diamond a unique character

What to Look For in Diamond Clarity

While flawless diamonds are considered the best, they are usually very expensive. If you want a reasonably priced diamond that is also of good quality, diamonds rated VS1 or VS2 are the best choice. These diamonds grade slightly lower than flawless diamonds and have a few minute inclusions that cannot be seen with the naked eye, making them an excellent option.

Diamond Cut: The Key to Brilliance

The way a diamond is cut determines its beauty and sparkle. A diamond’s cut is one of the most important factors when valuing a diamond, alongside clarity and carat. It has been observed that a well-cut diamond will more efficiently create brilliance, fire, and scintillation than poorly cut diamonds.

Types of Diamond Cuts

Diamonds are cut into various shapes, each with its appeal. 

Round Brilliant Cut: The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond cut in the world. It also offers maximum brilliance due to its geometric shape and the number of facets.

Princess cut: This cut offers a modern look and sparkle. A square or rectangular gemstone with sharp, uncut corners forms the princess cut.

Cushion Cut: A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners that merges vintage appeal.

Emerald Cut: Rectangular shape with step cuts. It is quite modern and known for its elegant aesthetic.

Cuts Quality Grades

The cut of a diamond ranks first in the factors determining its beauty, including its cost. This is arguably the most important aspect that contributes to a diamond’s beauty, and if done poorly, even the costliest diamonds in the world will lose their luster. 

GIA, or the Gemological Institute of America, utilizes the following grading system:

Excellent Cut: Maximizes the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle.

Very Good Cut: Almost as brilliant as an excellent cut, with slight differences.

Good Cut: Offers decent brilliance but does not maximize the diamond’s potential.

Fair Cut: May appear dull or lackluster due to less precise cutting.

Poor Cut: The least desirable, with significant light loss.

To guarantee maximum brilliance, aim for at least a Very Good or Excellent cut grade.

Carat Weight 

Weight and size are the most recognized attributes of a diamond, and this is referred to as carat weight. Each carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. However, carat weight is not the sole determinant of the size of a diamond. A diamond’s cut will also determine how big that diamond appears to be.

Choosing the Right Carat Weight

Think about the appearance you wish to achieve and your budget when deciding on the carat weight. While it is true that larger diamonds attract more attention, diamonds with great cuts and clarity tend to outperform and look larger than diamonds with the same carat weight but with lower-grade clarity and cut.

How to Choose the Perfect Diamond: A Step-by-Step Guide

Set a Budget: Begin by deciding the amount you are ready to spend. Establishing a budget will allow you to narrow down your alternatives for cut, clarity, and carat.

Prioritize the Cut: Since the diamond’s brilliance is altered by its cut, always give preference to a smaller diamond that has an excellent cut instead of a larger stone that has a poor cut. 

Think About Clarity and Carat: For most buyers, diamonds ranked VS1 or VS2 provide an excellent middle ground between price and quality. For carat weight, think about how the diamond will appear on your hand, and make sure it aligns with your aesthetic.

Do Not Forget Color: The least coloured diamonds (D, E, F) are the most expensive, but G or H diamonds are almost colorless and cheaper, making them a great alternative.

Request Professionals: Go to a registered jeweller or gemologist to get more details about the diamonds that best catch your interest.

Final Thoughts

The right diamond can be both a valuable investment and a deeply personal gift. To know how to choose the right diamond, the first step starts with believing in yourself and understanding the 4cs of a diamond, that is, clarity, cut, and carat of your choice. These three factors have great influences on beauty, value, worth, and charm. With this, we hope to guide you in all the aspects that will allow you to make a good decision while keeping in mind all the preferences and budget constraints you have set for yourself.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.