How to Buy a Diamond | Wesche Jewelers

A very emotional, yet practical decision needs to be made. Having more knowledge will help you feelmore confident as you start the search for this specialdiamond, perhaps for an engagement ring or a larger diamond to go in your favorite pendant. So, let’s begin. When buying a diamond, remember the The Four Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. 

These are the four factors that determine the value of a diamond. There is a Fifth C to consider and that is cost. Every slight variance in cut, color, clarity and carat weight affects the cost. However, of these “Cs,” the most important factor is the cut, or the proportions of the diamond. This is what determines the sparkle of the diamond. Color is simply the body color—or lack thereof—and clarity refers to the internal characteristics of the diamond. Carat weight is not a quality factor; it’s the weight of the diamond that affects the price.

Since a grade is only as good as the grader, it is important to work with an experienced professional when selecting a diamond. There are many places where you can buy a diamond and there are all kinds of companies with whom you can deal. You need to select a company and a salesperson that you feel good about; you need to choose someplace and someone you can trust. In general, great companies strive to hire great people, so you want to deal with a great company, a great jeweler.

What defines a great jeweler? My recommendation is to look for a jeweler who has the Three Es: expertise, experience and ethics. To be more specific, we’re talking about gemological expertise, jewelry industry experience and good ethics.

Don’t buy your diamond based solely on a diamond grading report. There are many laboratories that issue diamond grading reports (often called “certs”). However, the most reputable diamond grading reports are issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). As a jewelry expert, I strongly advise you to ignore all other diamond grading reports. The diamond grading information on these other reports is typically inaccurate, so don’t be fooled by paperwork that looks and sounds “official.”

The purchase of a diamond is an important decision. It’s not only a lot of money, but there can be a lot of emotion involved as well. It’s wise to do some research and deal with a company that makes the process not only enjoyable, but leaves you with peace of mind about your purchase. If you’d like more detailed information, Wesche Jewelers offers a FREE Diamond Buyer’s Kit that contains an extensive educational report filled with facts, tips and insider information about buying a diamond. Visit www.weschejewelers.com.