The right diamond
WHEN it comes to picking a wedding or engagement ring, choose quality over size. Pick the nicest ring you can afford. First, get an idea of the diamond jewellery industry’s 4Cs:
Cut
The cut of a diamond will determine how well it reflects light. Thus, the cut of a diamond is described by its shape or outline and the facet arrangement pattern. Shapes come in round, heart, pear, emerald and others.
Clarity
Most diamonds have minute flaws called inclusions. These are usually invisible to the naked eye. eBay sellers often describe diamond clarity using the industry letter grading scale, the best being “flawless” (Fl). Check this with your jeweller before buying a diamond.
Colour
Most diamonds appear to be colourless. However, all of them include traces of yellow. Colourless diamonds rated D, E and F typically hold the most value, followed by nearly colourless diamonds (rated G, H, I, J).
However, coloured “fancy diamonds” can sometimes cost more than colourless diamonds of the same carat weight. These come in a variety of colours, including deep yellow, pink, green, blue and black.
Carat
Diamond size is measured in carats. Prices also go up according to carat weight. Choosing a slightly smaller carat weight, even 0.05 less, can save you money and still allows you to present your future spouse with a dazzling stone.
Secondly, couples should ensure that they have certification to ensure the authenticity, as well as the quality, of the stone purchased.
Certain gemological laboratories issue grading certificates that describe the qualities of a particular diamond, including cut, carat, clarity and colour.
Before making a purchase, make sure a reputable gemologist or gemological lab issued the grading certificate.
Thirdly, bigger might not necessarily mean better. The most common misconception couples have about diamonds is that diamond prices are determined by size.
A small diamond with flawless clarity, good colour grade and a good cut might be more expensive than a bigger diamond that is of a low grade.
Fourthly, couples should ensure that their money is well spent. All diamonds above 0.18ct come with certification, which acts as proof of the quality of the diamond purchased.
While you might be able to buy a diamond at a good price on the Internet, what you see online might not be what you get.
Couples can always make their purchase from reputable jewellers to ensure the quality of the diamonds. — The Straits Times / Asia news network