Many set out in hopes of finding the perfect diamond ring. However, if you don’t know about diamond characteristics and terminology, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The experts from Rochester, New York’s top jeweler, Jewelry Clinic, will explain everything you need to know about assessing and choosing a gem.

Before you make a trip to your local jewelry store, it’s wise to read up on your four Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here’s what to know about each of these essential characteristics:

• Cut: The cut is widely considered to be the most important factor in a diamond. A poorly cut diamond may appear dingy or dull, while a diamond with a better cut will appear more sparkly. This is because the cut grade is a reflection of the diamond’s ability to reflect light, creating a dazzling (or duller) appearance. For this reason, experts recommend choosing the highest quality cut grade for your budget.
• Color: A diamond’s color grade corresponds with its lack of color. While many diamonds possess a naturally pale yellow undertone, some are more colorless than others. Thus, the diamonds with the least noticeable color are of higher grade and quality. The color is considered the second most important characteristic to consider when choosing a diamond ring.
• Clarity: Nearly every diamond possesses at least a slight natural imperfection, but some have more than others. While some tiny flaws are virtually undetectable to the naked eye, others are more visible. The more slight the blemishes are, the higher the clarity grade of the diamond is. This is considered the next most important factor in selecting your diamond.
• Carat: While many people have heard references to a diamond’s carats, they may not understand exactly what it means. People tend to associate carat with the size of the diamond when it actually refers to its weight. In fact, a smaller carat weight diamond may appear larger than it is due to a high cut grade. For this reason, judging a diamond by its carat can be tricky. 

For help selecting the diamond ring of your dreams, enlist the experts from Jewelry Clinic. Check out the dazzling selection of diamond rings online or in-store today. If you have any questions, call a friendly representative at (585) 232-5920. You can also like them on Facebook for updates.