Select the Right Diamond

When it's time to get engaged, it's time to buy diamonds! For a first-time buyer, choosing a diamond can be a daunting task. If you are armed with the right information, you can be sure that you are getting a diamond that fulfills your needs and fits your budget.

Normally, when purchasing a diamond, it is crucial to know your four Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. At Meadows' Jewelers, we've added a fifth C: Certificate. Let's get started with diamond education:

Cut – The cut of a diamond does not refer to its shape, rather the way it was cut. The proportions in which diamonds are cut affect the way that light shines through, affecting its sparkle. A diamond that is too deep or too shallow in proportion will not sparkle as beautifully. Thus, this is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a diamond.

Clarity – The cut of a diamond does not refer to its shape, rather the way it was cut. The proportions in which diamonds are cut affect the way that light shines through, affecting its sparkle. A diamond that is too deep or too shallow in proportion will not sparkle as beautifully. Thus, this is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a diamond.

Color – The best color for a diamond is no color at all. While diamonds come in a range from colorless to light yellow, the clearer a diamond is, the better it can reflect light, and, thus, the more beautiful/expensive it will be. The Gemological Institute of America has created a scale to measure diamond color, ranging from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). D through F are colorless and the most rare, but know that G through I still appear colorless to the untrained eye.

Carat Weight – A carat is the unit of weight by which diamonds are measured. Because larger diamonds are less common, the value of a diamond rises exponentially with its size. While the carat weight of a diamond is easily measured on a diamond scale, it is important to remember that the worth of the diamond still affected by the cut, clarity and color.

Certificate – A certificate is a breakdown of your diamond's exact measurements, weight, cut and quality. Certificates of the greatest repute are issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS), both nonprofits. While the certificate is not the same as an appraisal and does not offer a monetary value, it does certify the quality of your diamond.

Now that we've gotten through the basics of buying a diamond, it's time to think about your bride-to-be.

What shape diamond would she like?

Round diamonds are the most common shape chosen for diamonds, but that doesn't mean you have to select a round diamond. There are a variety of different shapes in which diamonds can be cut and choosing the right one can be an exciting task. She may have already told your her favorite, but if not think about your girlfriend's hands. Does she have shorter fingers? If so, she may be interested in a marquise or oval shaped diamond. Is she extra romantic? Perhaps a heart-shaped diamond would be just right. Need help choosing the perfect diamond? Meadows' Jewelers can help.

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