Diamond guide

Diamonds have captured our imagination for thousands of years. Their unique nature, as well as their stunning beauty, have made them a huge part of our culture. As a result, diamonds are one of the most desirable items on earth – if not arguably the most. Knowing what to look for when purchasing diamonds is vital to making sure that your own piece of history is one that is worthwhile.

The basics of diamonds

The value of a diamond is based on what is known widely as the four C’s. Each of these four aspects have their own, individual grading system, and each is equally as important as the other. The four C’s are:

• Colour, which is judged between colourless and yellow tones.
• Cut, the way the the diamond has been formed.
• Clarity, which is whether or not there are any blemishes found inside the diamond.
• Carat, the measurement of the diamond’s weight, excluding the size.

These aspects are all graded by various bodies, of which the major one is the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Finding out who graded the diamonds is almost as important as the grades provided for the four C’s themselves.

What to look for when buying diamonds

When you next wish to invest in the passion that comes with boutique diamonds, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Many of these are quite straightforward, however there are some tricks that jewellers use to mask the ability for you to judge the diamond quality yourself. To make sure that your diamond purchase is up to standard, you can:

• Ask the salesperson on who grades their diamonds.
• Ask the salesperson what their diamond grading educational background is.
• Enquire as to whether there are any grading guarantees that they can make.
• Try to avoid using a black background when viewing diamonds.
• Insist on using a magnifying glass when inspecting the diamond.
• Ask whether the diamonds have been treated by heat or lasers.
• Make sure to obtain any documents about the diamond.
• Read through all warranties relating to the diamond.
• Insist on a certificate of replacement cost.
• If the diamond comes with a gem certificate, make sure that you have the original.

These points will make the buying process easier for you. They will also make sure that you are getting a diamond that is worth your precious investment.