There is a saying that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and we definitely agree to it. Who doesn’t want to own a diamond? As thrilling as it is to acquire diamonds for a special event or just for yourself, it is a significant investment. Before purchasing diamonds, many factors must be examined. Choosing where to begin and what should be considered first is always a difficult task. Most people believe that a real diamond can be identified by its sparkle, however this isn’t always the case. Many other stones have the appearance and feel of diamonds but aren’t. The first step in purchasing a diamond is to visit a reputable diamond store.

Starting with the 4 C’s, there are a few things to think about when buying a diamond:

• CUT – A diamond’s cut determines how sparkly it is. Cut is frequently confused with the diamond’s shape, however it is not. A diamond with a poor cut will be less sparkly and dull, and hence less expensive, whereas a diamond with a good quality cut will be much more precious and reflect light better.

• CLEARNESS- Clarity is the absence of minor flaws or faults. Although not readily evident to the human eye, any appraiser would be able to discern them. The most precious and valuable diamonds are known as IF diamonds (internally flawless).

• CARAT – The carat is the standard unit of measurement for diamonds all around the world. A carat weighs 0.2 grams (200 milligrams). The larger the diamond, the higher the carat, and therefore the higher the price.

• COLOUR- A diamond’s color grading scale starts at D and ends at Z. D is the most expensive since it is colorless, and when the presence of yellow, brown, or grey increases, the grade declines to Z.

Aside from the 4 C’s, there are a few extra things to think about:

• FLUORESCENCE – Fluorescence is the faint blue glow caused by UV radiation. Only about a third of the diamonds, or about 20-30%, are luminous. The fluorescence is usually not apparent to the naked eye, but it can be rather powerful on rare occasions. It has the ability to modify the color of the diamond depending on its strength and color. Although fluorescence in diamonds is generally seen as bad, the argument continues.

• SHAPE – Diamonds are available in a variety of shapes. While round cut diamonds are the most common, non-round diamonds may stand out more. The majority of the other shapes are variations of the round cut, while some, such as the square and rectangle, are called step cuts.

• CERTIFICATE – Before purchasing a diamond, the certification is the most significant factor to consider. It’s crucial that the diamond is verified by the GIA or another renowned gem laboratory. Certificates are verification of a Diamond’s existence and worth. It will define the buyback policy and aid in the long-term preservation of diamond value.

Because a diamond is such a large and essential purchase, it’s critical to do your homework before purchasing one. Before making a purchase, look for the most reputable diamond retailer that offers a certificate of authenticity. There are many alternatives to pick from, so choose wisely!