Synonymous with love, beauty, and extravagance, a
diamond is truly one of nature's finest masterpieces. Unsurprisingly, this precious gem was and will continue to remain sought-after by anyone who wants to gift their loved ones or themselves jewellery that's not just brilliant but also an heirloom they'll cherish for generations. But shopping for diamond jewellery is not a piece of cake. This is especially true for first-time buyers who'd like to make an informed decision but are unsure where to start. Don't worry; we've got your back. In this guide, we'll decode everything you need to know about picking the perfect
natural white diamond.
By now, we're pretty sure you must've read plenty on the 4Cs of a diamond. While we don't wish to sound like a broken record, it is of utmost importance that you familiarize yourself with them because diamond buying becomes so much easier once you're fully aware of how each of the "Cs" influences the quality and price of this precious gem. So, let's dive into these brilliant features!
Colour: Ever wondered what is the colour of the highest-quality diamonds? Well, the perfect diamond, one that is chemically pure and structurally perfect, is actually colourless. It is akin to a drop of water. The Gemological Institute of
America (GIA) grades the colour of a diamond on a scale of D to Z; here, D is considered the most colourless (and valuable), and Z indicates the presence of a light yellow or brown tint.
Expert Advice: Most of us cannot distinguish between diamonds with two different colour grades – use this to your advantage. While diamonds with D, E & F colour grades are perfectly clear, they can be extremely expensive. J, K & L graded diamonds have a slightly warm tint, which is not too noticeable but helps bring down the cost, which means these diamonds can offer great value for money. If you're seeking the finest balance between value and quality, we highly recommend opting for diamonds with G, H, or I colour grading.
Clarity: Flaws are part of a diamond's natural characteristics. However, the absence of inclusions can significantly increase the value and, subsequently, the price of this gem. This is where clarity grading comes into play. GIA's diamond clarity chart ranges from FL to I2. The term "FL" stands for "Flawless" and indicates that a diamond is entirely free of internal and external imperfections. On the other hand, "I2" indicates that inclusions are visible to the naked eye to the extent that they may impact the diamond's brilliance and overall appearance.
Expert Advice: No matter which clarity grade you pick for your diamond, make sure it doesn't have flaws/inclusions that are easily visible to the naked eye. FL-graded diamonds are considered the finest of the lot but are understandably expensive. If you're looking for a cost-effective option that doesn't compromise on the overall beauty, then consider opting for a diamond in the slightly included (SI) clarity range.
Cut: This particular feature may appear third on our list of 4Cs, but it happens to be the most important quality parameter of a diamond. First things first, cut doesn't mean the shape of the gem. Cut refers to the diamond's proportions and technical details, while shape represents the arrangement/pattern of the gem. This means you could buy a diamond in any shape – round, oval, pear, etc., but if it doesn't have a superior cut, it'll not exude the fire and sparkle that diamonds are known for.
GIA's cut evaluation scale contains five grades that range from 'Excellent' (or 'Ideal') to 'Poor'. Excellent craftsmanship is crucial to achieving a high-quality cut, enabling a diamond to transmit light and shine intensely.
Expert Advice: Always prioritize cut-over-carat weight when shopping for natural diamonds. Remember, it may be tempting to pick heavier diamonds, but a superior quality cut will maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the gem. Additionally, a well-cut diamond has the potential to hide minor imperfections, making the gem appear clearer and whiter.
Carat Weight: From the technical point of view, a "carat" refers to the weight of the gem, where one carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. But two different diamonds weighing 1 carat each could have very different price tags, depending on the quality of the cut, colour, and clarity grade. The bottom line is that the price of this precious gem will rise as the carat weight increases, and it jumps dramatically after the milestone figures are crossed, i.e., 1-carat, 2-carat, 2.5-carat, etc. But when it comes to diamond quality, size may not matter as much as you think. It's a blend of all 4Cs that will determine the final worth of this gem.
Expert Advice: A smaller yet well-cut diamond within your budget will be a much smarter investment than a larger diamond with a poor-quality cut. Put your focus on finding a diamond that shines brilliantly, no matter what size it is.
Certified Natural Diamonds are a Must: The International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are globally recognized and respected gemological laboratories. When you purchase a diamond with IGI or GIA certification, you can have confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the information provided about the diamond's characteristics.
Take the help of an expert: If you feel unsure or confused about buying diamonds, ask the experts many questions. Diamond jewellery showrooms are always equipped with knowledgeable staff who are well-versed in all things diamond, so don't hesitate to clear your doubts and seek their help to get you the perfect sparkler.
or visit our showroom at 46 Royal Arcade, 335 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. Take your time to explore, and we're sure you'll find the right diamond sparkler that perfectly fits your preferences and budget!
