Diamond Buyer’s Checklist

Do you want to surprise her with a ring? You can--and you can do it right--if you've analyzed her likes and dislikes, the shape of her hands and fingers, and her lifestyle. The first step is to become acquainted with both diamond and engagement ring basics no matter when you plan to buy the ring, so that you'll understand the terms you hear and know exactly what you're buying. Paying attention to your fiancée's jewelry likes and dislikes is the first big step towards finding her the perfect engagement ring.

Here are a few tips that will help you choose the perfect diamond ring that you are looking for:

1. It is very important to buy loose diamonds during daylight, on a fine weather day and with exposure towards North. It is under these conditions that the true color of the stone will appear.

2. In the absence of these conditions, it will be preferable to use a lamp which has light similar to daylight. In all good jewelry shops, these lamps are generally found which help in grading diamonds. Neon lighting is not recommended.

3. For diamonds with carat weight exceeding 0.5 carats, a certification is necessary verifying its quality and integrity. Certificates for such diamonds are available through gemological laboratories.

4. Always check the diamond characteristics and grading. If a jeweler shows a 1.00 carat round and non-certified diamond, classified F (color) and VS1 (clarity); such a diamond would approximately cost US$ 10,920 (retailer price). But, if clarity grade is VS2, the price falls to US$ 10,010; which is 8% less (US$ 910), a rather significant price difference!

5. Read the diamond certificate carefully and do not ignore any details written on it. A certified diamond does not mean that the diamond is of highest quality. A certificate just informs about the true grades given to the diamond after testing it in the gemological lab. Always notice the “Comments" such as “Clarity Enhanced" or “Color Enhanced". If you notice such comments, it means the real diamond’s flaw has been enhanced or treated to make it look like a better quality diamond. But it always affects the price. Treated diamonds are cheaper than the untreated ones of same quality and the price difference is substantial.

6. There are not only the 4 principal diamond criteria (carat-weight, color, clarity, cut) which are important for a diamond purchase. Along with these its proportions, fluorescence and finish are also very important. A diamond having very good clarity and color, but having a very strong fluorescence or a poor proportion substantially falls in price.

7. Depending on color, some diamonds are less expensive as compared to the colorless diamond of same carat weight. On the other hand some colored diamonds are more expensive than colorless diamonds (red, pink, blue, green and certain shades of yellow).

Beware of Mall Jewelry and Other Expensive Jewelry Stores

Common sense should suggest that the only way such stores can make high profits is to cover all high costs (of the glitter, lighting, display, advertising and aggressive salespeople paid with high commissions on your sale) in your prices. In today's commerce with the rise of online shopping, these stores are facing stiff competition from online stores that offer certified diamond jewelry of quality at lower prices by keeping their operating costs down and being able to turn over larger volume.