If you are buying a diamond, it is imperative for you to understand how to assess the quality of your diamond. Whether it be a diamond ring, a diamond pendant or a pair of diamond earrings, having an understanding of what makes a good diamond will ensure that you are able to purchase the diamond confidently and with assurance.
The following guide explains what you need to know about how to evaluate a diamond based on the 4Cs of diamond quality (cut, clarity, colour, and carat).
The 4Cs Of Diamond Quality Are The Foundation For Evaluating A Diamond
The 4Cs - cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight - determine the diamond's quality. These are the key diamond quality characteristics that define both the quality and value of a diamond.
The diamond 4Cs guide provides you with the opportunity to compare and contrast diamonds and determine whether or not you are making informed buying decisions.
The Diamond 4Cs Guidelines Will Help You To Evaluate A Diamond
In order to fully evaluate the diamond, you need to fully understand each of the 4Cs.
1. Cut - A diamond's “cut” will greatly determine the diamond's level of brilliance. The more beautifully the diamond is cut, the more the diamond will reflect the light, and that gives it a brighter, more colourful appearance.
2. Clarity - Clarity is determined by the internal “inclusions” and the external “blemishes”. When looking at the clarity of a diamond, it is best to avoid a diamond with any visible inclusions or blemishes on the surface.
3. Colour - Diamonds that have less colour (near colourless to slightly tinted) have greater value than more discoloured diamonds.
4. The Weight (Carat) - Carat is based on the diamond's total weight in grains and the carat's actual weight. For example, 1 carat = 100 points or can also be referred to as a “carat” or a “decagram”. However, for diamond grading purposes, the only time that the weights will actually be the same is when two diamonds have the same amount of carats.
Diamond Weight Consideration - Measurement Of Carat
When purchasing a diamond, carat refers to the weight of the gemstone, not its physical appearance. For this reason, as a savvy consumer, it is important to balance carat weight with the other three dimensions of diamond quality: cut, clarity and colour.
All four of these factors - diamond cut, clarity, colour, and carat - work together to create the overall appearance of the diamond.
How Can I See How Good A Diamond Is?
If you're unsure how to check the quality of a diamond, follow these suggestions:
- Ensure the diamond is certified (IGI or GIA)
- Compare diamonds before making your purchase
- Do not settle for a poor cut just because you want a large diamond.
- See the diamond under a variety of lights (natural, office, etc).
By following these simple steps, you will gain confidence in knowing how to check the quality of a diamond when you're purchasing one.
Many of today's diamond wedding rings are made with lab created diamonds. Lab created diamonds provide an excellent quality, and because of the way they are manufactured, they offer the consumer complete transparency in terms of the quality of diamonds.
Lab Created Vs Natural Diamonds: Are There Differences Between The Two?
One of the most common questions that is asked about how to check the quality of a diamond is whether lab created diamonds are of a different quality than natural diamonds.
The answer to this question is that lab created diamonds have the same chemical and physical structure as natural diamonds. Therefore, any of the 4C's (cut, clarity, colour, and carat) that you would use to judge the quality of natural diamonds will also apply to diamonds that have been manufactured in a lab.
Most people will find that they have access to a wide selection of affordable jewellery featuring lab created diamonds crafted to the highest standards of design and craftsmanship.
For everyday wear, diamond earrings are an excellent option to experience the quality of a diamond without sacrificing value.
Buying Smart: Purchasing Quality Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery Online
The following tips may help you get some value from buying lab grown diamond jewellery online.
- When searching for lab grown diamond jewellery, focus on purchasing quality man-made diamonds that are certified.
- Make sure to compare prices for the same items sold by different retailers for lab grown diamonds to find the best deal.
- Only purchase man-made diamonds that you buy from reputable retailers.
- Look for a wider variety of lab grown diamond jewellery being sold online.
Lab grown diamonds are popular in India due to their affordability and sustainable sourcing for the diamonds.
Additionally, consider buying lab created bracelets to complete your lab grown diamond jewelry collection.
The Importance Of The 4Cs
Even though lab created diamonds are becoming more popular, the basic guidelines for purchasing a diamond remain the same.
The most reliable way to determine the quality of a diamond is by using the diamond's 4Cs; therefore, this information is useful when making an educated purchasing decision.
Regardless of where you buy your lab grown diamonds online, knowing how to assess the diamond's quality will provide long-lasting satisfaction.
FAQs - How To Evaluate The Quality Of A Diamond
1. How can I check the quality of my diamond from home?
While it is possible to conduct some very basic tests of the diamond's clarity and brilliance at home, the only true way to evaluate the quality of a diamond is by having a professional evaluation utilizing an independent laboratory and the diamond's 4Cs reference guide.
2. What are four major considerations to remember when assessing the quality of a diamond?
The four quality factors in deciding on the quality of a diamond are cut, clarity, colour, and carat.
3. How can I assess a diamond before purchasing?
Step 1: Verify that the diamond has been appraised and comes with a fair market value based on the four factors of cut, clarity, colour, and carat.
Step 2: Once you confirm the diamond has been appraised, conduct research on the pricing of other diamonds with the same carat size and complete a thorough assessment of all four factors.
Step 3: Make an informed decision based on the overall quality of a diamond from your research and based on the appraised value of a diamond.
4. Are lab made diamonds considered "real" by way of their mineral content?
The answer is yes; lab created diamonds are made of the same MINERAL (i.e. diamond) as mined diamonds.
5. Which diamond quality factors from the 4Cs (cut, clarity, colour, and carat) are the most important?
Cut is the most important factor of the four and is most often cited as having the greatest impact on the brightness or brilliance of the diamond.
6. Should I feel confident in purchasing a diamond through an online vendor?
You will feel comfortable buying a diamond through an established company that has been recognised as being reputable through online sources.
Conclusion
Being familiar with the four diamond qualities, as outlined in the 4Cs, gives the buyer confidence to make a better decision when making an investment. Evaluating cut, clarity, colour, and carat should give you a diamond that will satisfy your visual criteria, as well as your budget for many years to come.
Both lab created and all other types of diamonds will benefit from these guidelines.