Whether you’re buying them for yourself or someone special, diamonds are a beautiful and significant investment. Understanding the differences in quality will help ensure you make the right choice. Use the jewelry guide below to help you with your selection.

3 Tips for Purchasing Diamond Jewelry

1. Stick to Your Budget

No matter how momentous the occasion, no jewelry purchase should land you in debt. Set a reasonable budget before your search and stick with it. Various characteristics affect the price of a gem, so work with your jeweler to design or choose a piece that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.

2. Learn the Four C’s

The four C’s of diamond quality—carat, cut, color, and clarity—outline what you should know about diamond purchases. All of these qualities affect the cost of a diamond.

Carat, which refers to the weight of the stone, is an indication of its size.

The cut of the stone influences its reflective properties. For instance, an excellent-cut diamond will sparkle, whereas one poorly cut will appear dull in comparison.

The color of diamonds is rated by the absence of color, on a scale from D to Z. The most coveted and valuable gems (grade D) are colorless. Color grading distinctions are subtle and rarely visible to the untrained eye.

Many diamonds naturally have imperfections, known as inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). The official scale of clarity comprises 11 grades. An F1 diamond is flawless; an I3 diamond has noticeable imperfections.  

3. Buy Only Certified Diamonds

Certification gives you confirmation of the value and authenticity of your diamond. You can buy gems that are not certified, but it is in your best interest to seek out documented assurance from a gemologist who can supply details of the four C’s as well as any alterations made to the stone. If you are looking at valuable or rare diamonds, always make sure they are certified by a reliable lab, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).

Your diamonds should come from a reliable, well-established source. Klass Jewelers of Florence, KY, carries a variety of high-quality pieces, from earrings and pendants to engagement rings and wedding bands. If you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift, these skilled jewelers can help you design a custom masterpiece. Visit their website to learn more about their computer-aided design capabilities for fashioning and manufacturing custom jewelry, or to speak with a jeweler, call (859) 525-7500.