Thinking of buying an engagement ring can be daunting. However, unknown to many, high-quality diamonds are generally sold loose and almost never pre-set within a ring. If you are worried about choosing the right quality diamond and are looking for a few tips that can make the process easier and of course, authentic, keep reading. In this handy blog, we will deep-dive to understand some of the most useful tips to keep in mind when purchasing loose diamonds:

Tips to Consider

Tip #1 - Ensure it is Certified

For an accurate assessment of diamond quality, which is a priority for most buyers, ensure that the diamond is certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS). These institutions provide a grading report for the diamond and help safeguard your investment by protecting your interests and ensuring that the diamond you get is of high quality and genuine. While GIA helped curate the diamond grading system, AGS is a pioneer in diamond cut grading.

Pro tip: In order to easily identify your diamond, ensure that the diamond grading report number is engraved on the girdle of your loose diamond.

Tip #2 - Get the Right Shape

Consider the type of diamond shape you want. For instance, the round cut loose diamond is the easiest to buy and most popularly used as solitaires. Other common cuts today include oval, cushion, or emerald cuts.

Tip #3 - Decide Your Budget

Narrow down on a set budget. Think about how much money you're willing to spend. This will make the purchase process a lot easier and more streamlined. Ultimately, the size and the cut will determine the cost of your diamond. Oftentimes, people struggle with the classic size versus quality fight. You may need to sacrifice the size for higher quality. So, make the decision wisely.

Tip #4 - Consider the Size

Think about the carat size that you want. Note that carat refers to how heavy the diamond is (and not how large it is--a common misconception). By extension, the higher the carat, the heavier the diamond will be. Also, note that 1 carat is 200 milligrams or 0.2 ounces.

Pro tip: The proportions of a diamond matter much more than the carat weight. You could have two stones both weighing exactly one carat; however, one stone could appear much smaller due to carrying its weight in its depth rather than the top. Look for a diamond that has ideal proportions with an excellent or very good cut grade.

Tip #5 - The Four C’s

Understand the 4Cs of diamond quality: cut (which comprises five parts, namely table, crown, girdle, pavilion, and cutlet), carat (which is subdivided into 100 points), color (where the whiter the stone, the higher the quality), and clarity (which comprises of 12 clarity grades).

Tip #6 - Do Your Research

Aside from the factors mentioned above, do your own research to determine what is important to you in buying a diamond.

If you're needing guidance on the whole process, come on over to Woodard's Diamonds & Design. We can help you choose your perfect diamond and the gorgeous mounting to hold that diamond. That will certainly make for a totally one-of-a-kind experience!