A guide for buying Diamonds
Ever go shopping without knowing what you’re looking for? Of course! For shoes, a cute bag, or even clothing - but when it comes to jewelry what you don’t know could empty your pocketbook. Learn the basics of shopping for fine jewelry from professional jeweler Rob Young of Smokin Joes® fine jewelry department.
“The first thing people ask when they come in is, “where is the diamond jewelry?” said Young. “What they don’t know is what they should be looking for.”
Finding the perfect diamond jewelry for your budget isn’t always easy, but these tips can help you know what to look for. The industry refers to diamond classifications by the ‘4 C’s’ of a Diamond; Cut, Carat, Color, Clarity. Each of these C’s determines the diamond’s worth and level of perfection.
The 4 C’s of a Diamond
CUT: Refers to the proportions and finish of a diamond. It may also mean shape.
CARAT: Refers to the actual weight of the diamond. Ex. ¼ ct., 1ct. etc.
COLOR: Diamonds typically display colors of yellow, gray, or brown. The whiter or more colorless a diamond is, the more valuable. The color scale ranges from
D-M, with D being the most colorless.
CLARITY: It is the position of a diamond on a FLAWLESS to IMPERFECT scale. Very rarely is a diamond considered flawless....
FL-Flawless
These stones have no imperfections inside or on the outside of the stone under the magnification of a loupe of a 10 power. These are very hard to find and VERY expensive.
IF-Internally Flawless
These stones have no inclusions under a loupe with a 10-power magnification.
VVS1, VVS2-Very Very Slightly Imperfect
These stones have very small inclusions, which are very difficult to see under a loupe with a 10-power magnification.
VS1, VS2-Very Slightly Imperfect
These stones have small inclusions, which are slightly difficult to difficult to see under a loupe with a 10-power magnification.
SI1, SI2-Slightly Imperfect
These stones have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification, or visible to the naked eye.
I1, I2, I3-Imperfect
These stones have inclusions, which range from eye visible to very easily seen to the naked eye.
Don’t get carried away looking for the most flawless diamond with a D on the color scale. It is most likely that you won’t find it unless you stole it from Queen Elizabeth herself! What you can look for is something that fits your budget. The clarity and color scales are judged by looking at a diamond through a microscope and without a trained eye, it is hard to tell the difference between a D, E, F or FL, IF, VVS, or VS.
Another thing to look for is a certified diamond. The certification of a diamond by an independent third party is a guarantee of the diamond’s quality. The certificate includes the diamond’s weight, actual measurements, clarity, and color grade. It also contains information on the shape and style, proportions, and symmetry ratings.
Smokin Joes® diamonds are certified by the Gemological Institute of America, (GIA) which is the world’s foremost authority in gemology, diamond grading, jewelry education, and gemology research. The European Gemological Laboratory, (EGL) USA is also one of the world’s premier independent gemological laboratories.
Rob Young the on premise jeweler at Smokin Joes, offering custom work, sizing and appraisals. He specializes in diamond settings and remounting stones. Our trained jewelry specialists are looking forward to making your selection process easy and enjoyable. Smokin Joes jewelry is guaranteed to be the highest in quality and craftsmanship.
