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Choosing the perfect diamond
Understanding what makes a good diamond is necessary before you start shopping...
The brilliance of a diamond can be determined by its cut, so the cut is probably the most important of the four C's When a diamond is well cut, light enters the diamond through its table (the face of the diamond), then travels to the center where it is refracted off the sides then back through the face. This light is the brilliance you see when looking at a well cut diamond.
When a diamond has been poorly cut, light enters through the table but is then lost through the sides and base of the diamond. Less reflected light means less brilliance.
Most diamonds contain natural flaws that occur while it is being formed. The size, number and visibility of these flaws determine the clarity of a diamond. However, flaws can also occur as a result of the cutting process.
Diamonds usually have identifying characteristics, or flaws, that make each diamond unique. Scratches, air bubbles, cuts and other mineral deposits are usually formed inside the diamond during its creation.
Generally, the fewer flaws in a diamond, the more brilliance it will have, and therefore the more highly prized and priced it will be. Diamonds with very few or no blemishes are more highly valued - not only because of their brilliance, but because they are much rarer.
Color
A diamond's color usually refers to the amount of color in a white diamond, and is a result of the mineral composition of the stone. The color of a diamond never varies, and colorless diamonds are the most valuable as they allow the most light to be reflected, therefore tend to be the most brilliant.
 Example of the five diamond color grades from colorless to yellow. Image taken from Diamond Ring Buying Guide.
The most common color in diamonds is brown, not white, and until recently most colored diamonds were used for industrial purposes. However, in the 1980s Australia's Argyle Mine marketed its colored diamonds as "champagne" or "cognac" diamonds, which resulted in a resurgence in their popularity.
Diamonds are available in a wide range of colors, from blue and green to bright red and yellow. These diamonds are very rare and valuable because of the depth of their color. You can read more about diamond colors in our article. Just click on the link.
Carat is a measurement of the weight of a diamond. Generally, the larger the diamond, the more expensive it is because large diamonds are much rarer. The value of diamonds increases exponentially as the carat weight of the diamond increases.
But carat weight isn't the only factor to consider in the price of larger diamonds. The other factors we've discussed - cut, clarity and color - have an effect on the overall price of larger stones.
For most people, the most important consideration when choosing a diamond is price.
As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to budget for two month's salary if you live in the U.S. This amount varies from country to country. In Japan most people budget for three month's salary and in Europe it's one month's salary. Another factor is balancing carat weight and quality. You may opt for a larger stone which is graded slightly lower for clarity and color, or you may wish to shop for a smaller diamond with the highest quality cut, color and clarity. The choice is yours.
Choosing a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you'll make, so ensure you learn as much as you can about the characteristics and quality of the diamond you want. And always ask for a Diamond Certificate. This is an evaluation of the unique characteristics that are exclusive to your diamond. That way you'll have something of enduring value that you'll cherish forever.
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