Diamond Buying Guide

All about the world&#;s most popular gemstone

For more information, please visit Leading Diamond Tools.

Diamond Station Necklace

Ashi Diamonds, LLC

Yellow Diamond Heart Earrings

Rahaminov Diamonds, Inc.

Yellow Diamond Drop Earrings

Pompos Jewelry Corporation

Double Heart Layered Neckace

Smiling Rocks INC

Lily Earrings

Fedko Jewelry

Two Sided Yellow and Pink Bracelet

Gem Platinum

Black Beauty Earrings

Norma Wellington Designs

Icicle Diamond Earrings

Facets of Fire

Swallow Pendant

Syna Inc.

Bubbly Lab Grown Diamond Bracelet

Smiling Rocks INC

Sophie Diamond Heart Studs

Chic Pistachio

Pink Diamond Ring

Pompos Jewelry Corporation

Le Vian Snake Ring

Le Vian

Circle Lariat Necklace

Brevani Color Merchants

Dylan Letter A Necklace

Lika Behar Collection

Previous

Next

Diamond Station Necklace

Ashi Diamonds, LLC

Yellow Diamond Heart Earrings

Rahaminov Diamonds, Inc.

Yellow Diamond Drop Earrings

Pompos Jewelry Corporation

Double Heart Layered Neckace

Smiling Rocks INC

Lily Earrings

Fedko Jewelry

Two Sided Yellow and Pink Bracelet

Gem Platinum

Black Beauty Earrings

Norma Wellington Designs

Icicle Diamond Earrings

Facets of Fire

Swallow Pendant

Syna Inc.

Bubbly Lab Grown Diamond Bracelet

Smiling Rocks INC

Sophie Diamond Heart Studs

Chic Pistachio

Pink Diamond Ring

Additional reading:
water ripple stainless steel sheet
Best Concrete Polishing Pads: Which One Reigns Supreme?
How Post-Tension Anchors Revolutionize Healthcare Facilities?

For more information, please visit diamond saw factory.

Pompos Jewelry Corporation

Le Vian Snake Ring

Le Vian

Circle Lariat Necklace

Brevani Color Merchants

Dylan Letter A Necklace

Lika Behar Collection

Previous

Next

One of the most important aspects of buying quality diamond jewelry is where you shop. A trustworthy jeweler or jewelry store, like

Whether your looking for a simple every-day diamond piece or a diamond engagement ring, understanding some of the basic diamond quality factors and terminology in advance of your purchase can help you feel more comfortable talking to a salesperson or shopping online.

Our Diamond Buying Guide lays out everything you need to know about diamonds

4Cs of Diamonds

The 4C&#;s are a grading scale consisting of four factors that determine a diamond&#;s value, collectively known as the 4Cs of Diamonds: Carat, Clarity, Cut & Color. The 4Cs are so important to selecting the perfect stone,

Grading Reports

Diamond grading reports, like those offered by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) offer insights on the specifications of diamonds and gemstones. These reports can help explain the diamond clarity grade, cut grade, color grade and carat weight,

A Diamond&#;s Unique Characteristics

Diamonds may not be the rarest gemstone, but they do have a set of unique characteristics that sets them apart from other gemstones and gives them a value beyond price. When considering a diamond jewelry purchase, these are some of the stone&#;s top qualities:

Unique Beauty
The beauty and inner fire of the diamond has made this precious gem prized for centuries. Each stone, like its owner, is endowed with a personality and character uniquely its own.

Durability
A diamond is the hardest substance known to man, ranking 10.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, and are resistant to deterioration. When cared for properly, diamond jewelry can be worn every day and passed on as an heirloom to future generations.

Enduring Value
Gem-quality diamonds have consistently retained their value, sometimes even increasing in value, after years of being worn and enjoyed.

Diamond Shapes

Diamonds and gemstones are cut into many different shapes, each with their own aesthetic and cutting requirements. While shapes are sometimes referred to as the cut &#; like emerald-cut diamonds&#; the cut refers to how a jeweler cuts the gemstone to achieve its symmetry and proportion.

Most people are familiar with the round solitaire diamond and common "fancy" shapes, which refer to a gemstone cut in any shape other than round. Fancy cuts include baguette, emerald, triangle, pear, princess, oval and marquise. If you are uncertain about a term used to describe your diamond, ask your professional jeweler to clarify it for you. 

Use our chart of diamond and gemstone shapes to find your favorite!

Caring for Your Diamond

Diamonds may be the hardest substance known to man, but they still can be damaged, abraded or scratched. Follow these quick tips to best care for your diamond jewelry:

• Don&#;t wear diamonds during rough work; they are still prone to chips and scratches.
• Don&#;t jumble your diamond jewelry with other pieces; diamonds can scratch your other fine jewelry.
• Diamonds look best when they are clean, revealing the diamond&#;s fire and brilliance. Clean your diamonds regularly using commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of ammonia and water, or a mild detergent. Dip the jewelry into the solution, and use a soft brush to dislodge dust or dirt from under the setting.
• Keep diamond jewelry away from chlorine, bleach or other chemicals that can pit or discolor the mounting.
• See your professional jeweler at least once a year to have your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and checked for loose prongs and wear.

For more information on how to clean and care for your fine jewelry, use our guide on

Diamond Alternatives

While diamonds are a naturally beautiful gemstone, some buyers prefer alternates, or stones that mimic a diamond&#;s quality. Many times, alternates can provide the look of a diamond but tend to have more affordable options. It&#;s important to discuss with your professional jeweler if a diamond alternative is something that would suit your needs.

Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds (sometimes abbreviated as LGD) are grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions. These stones have all the same properties of a natural diamond, making them difficult to separate from natural diamonds without special training and equipment. Your jeweler is legally required to inform you if a diamond is lab-grown and the diamond must be identified with a term such as &#;synthetic,&#; &#;laboratory grown&#; or &#;[brand name] created.&#; Lab-grown options have become more widely available over the last decade; however, despite their identical look and quality compared to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds do not hold value over time like their natural counterpart.

Moissanite
Moissanite is a diamond simulant made of silicon carbide that closely resembles a diamond. Moissanites have grown in popularity in engagement rings, as buyers can get a larger-size center moissanite for less than a diamond and their hardness level is still suitable for daily wear at a 9.25 (compared to diamonds at a 10). Natural moissanites are extremely rare &#; the first moissanite ever discovered was found in a crater from a fallen meteor in the late s &#; so moissanites used in jewelry are all laboratory-created. Once cut and polished, it is near impossible to distinguish moissanites from natural diamonds by the untrained or naked eye.



Enhanced Diamonds
If you&#;re looking for a colored diamond or Diamonds can be colored, tinted, coated, irradiated or heated to improve their color and clarity. Inclusions are sometimes removed with lasers and fractures filled with a glasslike compound. Some of these procedures are not permanent. While it is not always possible to determine if a diamond has been enhanced just by looking at it, it is required that your jeweler disclose this information to you and a professional jeweler will let you know if a diamond&#;s natural appearance has been altered.

Where to Buy Diamond Jewelry

Since expertise in the grading, selection and sale of diamonds takes years of training, always purchase diamond jewelry from a professional you can trust. Reputable jewelers will help source the best diamond for your lifestyle and price range, and ensure and Choose a retailer who has demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and has an established reputation, like Jewelers of America Members. Our members commit annually to a

Rare, fascinating and dazzling, the diamond has ignited romantic passion throughout history. The word alone conjures up images of rare, precious, desirable, beautiful, sparkling tokens of love. There is a lot to learn and love about diamonds and diamond jewelry.One of the most important aspects of buying quality diamond jewelry is where you shop. A trustworthy jeweler or jewelry store, like Jewelers of America Members , will walk you through the jewelry shopping experience, answer specific questions about buying diamonds and help find your perfect diamond.Whether your looking for a simple every-day diamond piece or a diamond engagement ring, understanding some of the basic diamond quality factors and terminology in advance of your purchase can help you feel more comfortable talking to a salesperson or shopping online.Our Diamond Buying Guide lays out everything you need to know about diamondsThe 4C&#;s are a grading scale consisting of four factors that determine a diamond&#;s value, collectively known as the 4Cs of Diamonds: Carat, Clarity, Cut & Color. The 4Cs are so important to selecting the perfect stone, learn more about the 4Cs. Diamond grading reports, like those offered by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) offer insights on the specifications of diamonds and gemstones. These reports can help explain the diamond clarity grade, cut grade, color grade and carat weight, learn more about grading reports Diamonds may not be the rarest gemstone, but they do have a set of unique characteristics that sets them apart from other gemstones and gives them a value beyond price. When considering a diamond jewelry purchase, these are some of the stone&#;s top qualities:The beauty and inner fire of the diamond has made this precious gem prized for centuries. Each stone, like its owner, is endowed with a personality and character uniquely its own.A diamond is the hardest substance known to man, ranking 10.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, and are resistant to deterioration. When cared for properly, diamond jewelry can be worn every day and passed on as an heirloom to future generations.Gem-quality diamonds have consistently retained their value, sometimes even increasing in value, after years of being worn and enjoyed.Diamonds and gemstones are cut into many different shapes, each with their own aesthetic and cutting requirements. While shapes are sometimes referred to as the cut &#; like emerald-cut diamonds&#; the cut refers to how a jeweler cuts the gemstone to achieve its symmetry and proportion.Most people are familiar with the round solitaire diamond and common "fancy" shapes, which refer to a gemstone cut in any shape other than round. Fancy cuts include baguette, emerald, triangle, pear, princess, oval and marquise. If you are uncertain about a term used to describe your diamond, ask your professional jeweler to clarify it for you.Use our chart of diamond and gemstone shapes to find your favorite!Diamonds may be the hardest substance known to man, but they still can be damaged, abraded or scratched. Follow these quick tips to best care for your diamond jewelry:For more information on how to clean and care for your fine jewelry, use our guide on Jewelry Repair & Care While diamonds are a naturally beautiful gemstone, some buyers prefer alternates, or stones that mimic a diamond&#;s quality. Many times, alternates can provide the look of a diamond but tend to have more affordable options. It&#;s important to discuss with your professional jeweler if a diamond alternative is something that would suit your needs.Lab-grown diamonds (sometimes abbreviated as LGD) are grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions. These stones have all the same properties of a natural diamond, making them difficult to separate from natural diamonds without special training and equipment. Your jeweler is legally required to inform you if a diamond is lab-grown and the diamond must be identified with a term such as &#;synthetic,&#; &#;laboratory grown&#; or &#;[brand name] created.&#; Lab-grown options have become more widely available over the last decade; however, despite their identical look and quality compared to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds do not hold value over time like their natural counterpart.Moissanite is a diamond simulant made of silicon carbide that closely resembles a diamond. Moissanites have grown in popularity in engagement rings, as buyers can get a larger-size center moissanite for less than a diamond and their hardness level is still suitable for daily wear at a 9.25 (compared to diamonds at a 10). Natural moissanites are extremely rare &#; the first moissanite ever discovered was found in a crater from a fallen meteor in the late s &#; so moissanites used in jewelry are all laboratory-created. Once cut and polished, it is near impossible to distinguish moissanites from natural diamonds by the untrained or naked eye.If you&#;re looking for a colored diamond or Diamonds can be colored, tinted, coated, irradiated or heated to improve their color and clarity. Inclusions are sometimes removed with lasers and fractures filled with a glasslike compound. Some of these procedures are not permanent. While it is not always possible to determine if a diamond has been enhanced just by looking at it, it is required that your jeweler disclose this information to you and a professional jeweler will let you know if a diamond&#;s natural appearance has been altered.Since expertise in the grading, selection and sale of diamonds takes years of training, always purchase diamond jewelry from a professional you can trust. Reputable jewelers will help source the best diamond for your lifestyle and price range, and ensure and Choose a retailer who has demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and has an established reputation, like Jewelers of America Members. Our members commit annually to a Code of Professional Practices so you can buy jewelry with confidence from their team of sales associates or on-staff gemologists. Search our Find a Jeweler directory to find a retailer near you or online.

Since their discovery in the fourth century BC, Diamonds have evolved into one-of-a-kind gemstones that hold significant value. Today, diamonds are in demand worldwide, and they're used in numerous pieces of jewelry. Know your diamond better with our complete diamond buying guide so that you can choose and buy the best diamond.

You must have noticed; each diamond has a unique shape and size. If you're wondering why it is so, let's find out more about diamond shapes.

What is a Diamond Shape?

Diamonds are derived from deep into the earth's crust, and they vary in size and shape. Ideally, a diamond shape refers to the structure and cutting that gives the diamond its form and looks. Moreover, each shape is geometric and boasts an outline that makes it look classy.

Round-Shaped Diamond

Round-shaped diamonds are symmetrical in shape, making them look timeless and aesthetic. Out of all diamond shapes, round-shaped diamonds are widely popular. Thanks to their 58 facets, round-shaped diamonds offer unmatched clarity. Moreover, their cutting enhances their looks. We advise you to opt for round diamonds featuring a very good or excellent cut rating.

Pros

• Round diamonds are evergreen; thus, you don't have to be worried about going out of trend.

Cons

• Round-shaped diamonds are costly as making them leaves behind a lot of raw material as waste.

Princess-Shaped Diamond

Princess-shaped diamonds boast either a square or a rectangular cut on their top. Ideally, princess cut diamonds have 76 facets that collectively ameliorate their looks and give diamonds an unmatched brilliance and sparkle. To make princess-shaped diamonds a reality, the designers have to work on the inverted pyramid of rough diamonds. Princess-shaped diamonds with excellent cut ratings will be a great choice.

Pros

• Princess cut diamonds are pocket-friendly as making these diamonds doesn't produce much waste from rough diamonds.

Cons

• The edges or corners of princess-cut diamonds may be delicate, making them prone to wear and tear.

Emerald-Shaped Diamond

Emerald-shaped diamonds feature a rectangular shape along with linear facets and chiseled steps on the sides. The table of emerald-shaped diamonds is significant, and the cut also offers a one-of-a-kind translucent light. The bigger size of the diamond makes it look appealing and fashionable. We advise you to choose an emerald diamond with a higher grade of color and clarity.

Pros

• Budget buyers looking for a bigger diamond get what they wanted with an emerald-cut diamond. Unlike round cut diamonds, emerald cut diamonds have a 5% larger diameter, making them look bigger.

Cons

• The table of emerald cut diamonds has fewer facets, which means, if it gets damaged, the flaws will be evident to everyone.

Asscher-Shaped Diamond

Asscher-shaped diamonds were introduced to the world by the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. The Asscher cut diamonds tend to have a smaller face, an elevated crown. Moreover, Asscher cut diamonds also have a deep pavilion that helps the brilliance shine from the inside. We recommend you choose an Asscher cut diamond with high-grade clarity ratings like VS2 or more.

Pros

• Asscher cut diamonds offer class-apart looks, and they produce mesmerizing brilliance.

Cons

• Because of its flat table, Asscher cut diamonds offer a clear view of the base. Thus, any marks or cracks on the diamond can't be kept hidden.

Marquise-Shaped Diamond

Marquise-shaped diamonds look quite similar to a beautiful eye, and they have a slender shape. Generally equipped with 56 facets, marquise diamonds offer nonpareil looks that make the wearer's hands appealing and fingers thin.

Pros

• The longer shape of marquise cut diamonds makes them appear larger. Moreover, they also have the greatest size per carat.

Cons

• If marquise cut diamonds aren't well-fitted, their corners might get damaged. Additionally, if the diamond is asymmetrical, it won't fit well on the ring.

Oval-Shaped Diamond

Oval-shaped diamonds can be used in various pieces of jewelry, and they boast an elegant look. Oval-cut diamonds have 56 facets on their waist that give them a modern shape. Moreover, unlike round cut diamonds, oval cut diamonds are easy on the pocket as well.

Pros

• A total of 56 facets enable the oval cut diamonds to offer significant brilliance. Because of their shape, these diamonds aren't prone to chipping as well.

Cons

• Oval cut diamonds at times show the bow-tie effect, and the chances of this increase if the oval is significantly large.

Radiant Shape Diamond

As the name suggests, Radiant cut diamonds are well-known for their radiance and brilliance. Radiant cut diamonds ideally have 70 facets, and each of them works together to ensure that the diamond shines well and looks great. Interestingly, the radiant cut diamonds are made by combining both round cut and emerald cut.

Pros

• Unlike Asscher cut diamonds, Radiant cut diamonds are more durable and can withstand more wear and tear.

Cons

• If your Radiant cut diamond gets damaged, hiding its imperfections will be challenging, thanks to its facets and clarity.

Pear-Shaped Diamond

Pear cut diamonds look like a teardrop, and it features 58 facets. The diamond can be used in vintage diamond engagement rings, necklaces, and a few other pieces of jewelry. The pear-cut diamonds ideally have pointed edges, and one of their ends is round, giving the diamond its ideal shape.

Pros

• Pear cut diamonds boast unique designs. Moreover, they also make the wearer's fingers look slim.

Cons

• Pear cut diamonds are at times not cut properly. Hence, one needs to be careful about their preferred diamond shape.

Heart-Shaped Diamond

Heart-shaped diamonds tend to have an asymmetrical design, and these diamonds look stunning. Thanks to the diamond's 58 facets that provide its brilliance and shine. Moreover, heart-shaped diamonds are also used in necklaces as pendants, but rings featuring them are unique and classy.

Pros

• Heart-shaped diamonds are a great symbol of love and romanticism. Moreover, these diamonds also have tremendous brilliance that adds to their looks.

Cons

• Heart-shaped diamonds may have a bow-tie effect that might be required to be corrected using cutters.

Cushion-Cut Diamond

This one is a no-brainer; the Cushion cut diamonds look like a pillow. Cushion-cut diamonds are made using the combination of modern design and vintage fashion. The cushion looks elegant and beautiful and highlights the wearer's hands.

Pros

• Cushion cut diamonds are cheaper than the most popular brilliant round cut diamonds. Moreover, they offer great brilliance and can reflect colored lights with ease.

Cons

• The flat surface of cushion-cut diamonds makes it easy for anyone to view the scratches and imperfections in the diamond.

The Best Diamond Cut Grades

The markets are flooded with all sorts of diamonds, good and bad. Three diamond cut grades are generally considered the best. Read on to explore more about these in detail.

Ideal aka Excellent

Ideal cut diamonds are top-rated, and they're great reflectors of light. Moreover, they represent only 3% of the diamond cut quality.

Very Good

Very good cut diamonds make up approximately 15% of the top diamond cut quality. The difference between ideal and very good cuts is that the lateral is cheaper. Moreover, despite being cheap, very good-cut diamonds reflect almost the same amount of light.

Good

Good cut diamonds make up nearly 25% of the top diamond cut quality. When compared to the ideal cut, good-cut diamonds reflect much less light.

Clarity of the Diamond

Diamond's clarity tells us about its internal characteristics, better known as inclusions. Moreover, it also tells us about the blemishes or imperfections on its surface. It is important to understand that blemishes and imperfections don't make the diamond imperfect but make it unique. Diamond's clarity is a significant factor that helps determine the price tag it carries. Additionally, it also helps institutions like GIA and IGI determine the diamond's clarity grades.

Feather

A feather often emerges on the diamond's surface, and it extends within the diamond. In most cases, feathers are invisible to naked eyes. We recommend you avoid diamonds featuring a feather on their surface as they may hamper the diamond's beauty.

Crystal

The crystal clarity inclusion emerges inside the diamond when growing, and these crystals may be of different shades. However, the most common ones are black and white. If the diamond you're buying features a white crystal, it may not be problematic. But, we advise you to avoid diamonds with black crystals of significant size.

Cloud

Cloud clarity inclusions can be described as tiny pinpoints grouped to form a hazy spot on the diamond. Generally, clouds are invisible, and one cannot view them even by magnifying them 10times.

Pinpoint

The pinpoint clarity inclusion is described as a tiny dot that becomes visible using a 10x magnification. At times, a pinpoint may also look like a tiny crystal dot.

Natural

Natural clarity inclusions are often located at the diamond's girdle. A diamond gets natural clarity inclusions when it is being manufactured or cut.

Indented Natural

When a small part of the diamond's rough skin is left unpolished, we get an indented natural clarity inclusion to ensure it maintains its weight. This type of inclusion is observed inside the diamond and is typically found on its girdles.

Needle

As the name indicates, needle clarity inclusion looks like a white rod as if replicating a needle in the diamond. Ideally, needles are transparent; however, they may be problematic if found in clusters.

Knot

The knot clarity inclusion occurs when a crystal inclusion extends itself towards the diamond's surface. We advise you to avoid diamonds having a large knot.

Chip

The clarity inclusion known as the chip emerges due to wear and tear. A chip is recognized as a crack on the diamond's surface.

Cavity

Whenever a feather breaks, it results in a cavity. Commonly, cavities are formed during the diamond's manufacturing phase. We suggest you not choose a diamond with a large cavity.

Twinning Wisp

A twinning wisp is one kind of clarity inclusion that emerges when a lot of pinpoints, clouds, and crystals are grouped. Twinning wisps are natural, and these tend to form when diamonds begin to regrow.

Internal Graining

Internal graining is typically a sort of linear formation within the diamond, which can't be removed by polishing. In most cases, these are formed by irregular crystallization and have no pattern whatsoever. The internal grains can be white and colored as well.

Surface Graining

Likewise, internal graining, surface graining is also a result of uneven and irregular crystal formation within the diamond. When a diamond has surface graining, it tends to have fine lines which can't be viewed even when magnified.

Etched Channel

The etched channel originates on the diamond's surface and ends deep inside the diamond. While the etched channel inclusion is natural, it may also look like the laser drill treatment.

Best Ways to buy your diamond

Financing Through the Jeweler

If you're short on money and still need to buy the diamond, you can get it financed through a reputable jeweler. This way, you wouldn't have to pay for it upfront, but instead, you can pay in easy installments.

Progressive Leasing

Progressive leasing is yet another easy way to buy a diamond without paying for it upfront. By getting it on the lease, you make a contract to pay for it within the mutually agreed time frame.

Layaway

If you are not okay with loans, now you can also sign a layaway agreement with your seller and make easy payments for the diamond. This way, you won't lose your chosen diamond, and it can be paid for in easy instalments. However, when you sign layaway, the seller will only give the diamond to you when all dues are cleared.

A Credit Card

A credit card is yet another option to buy your favorite diamond without paying for it upfront. Almost all jewelers now allow customers to buy their diamonds using a credit card. Moreover, you may also get rewards for using your card to buy the diamond.

Personal Loan

If you don't have a credit card for x reasons, that's okay. You can also apply for a personal loan in a bank to buy your new diamond.

Save the Money and Buy It Outright

 

Suppose you don't want to get in trouble signing agreements or using credit to buy your new diamond; save for it. Yes, saving till you have enough to buy that diamond upfront in cash will also keep you safe from heavy interest rates.

Conclusion

Diamonds are available in a variety of shapes and types. While the diamonds may have all sorts of clarity inclusions, no diamond looks imperfect as they're made in extreme conditions. Moreover, you can buy a new diamond using a pool of payment options, with some even allowing a payback time of one year.

Want more information on wheels for shaped machine drill bits? Feel free to contact us.