Thinking of Buying a Diamond? Here is Your Guide to Choosing and Understanding their Value
Are you planning on buying a diamond but feeling overwhelmed about where to start? Whether you are searching for the perfect gift or want to make a personal investment, selecting the right diamond can certainly be a challenging task. This guide will help you navigate the world of diamonds, offering insights into why diamonds are worth investing in and how to select the ideal one to match your desires.
Why Buy a Diamond?
- Timeless Appeal
Timeless and Appeal. Diamonds have been long admired for their unmatched brilliance. A diamond’s age can be as old as 2.5 billion years, making it a remarkable and ancient treasure. It is essentially a piece of Earth’s history and natural beauty. Their sparkle, from their ability to refract and reflect light, will always give a diamond a wow effect. Buying a diamond will never go out of style.
- Emotional Value
Diamonds often mark significant life events. Are you celebrating an engagement, anniversary, career success or simply want to up your style? Diamonds represent memories and emotions. They carry stories and sentimental value.
- Investment Value
They hold their value over time. They are one of the most reliable investments as they don’t lose value. In essence, diamonds are forever.
- Slow Fashion
Living in a world of fast fashion where our fashion choices are more trend-following than everlasting, purchasing a diamond is quite the opposite of that. Buying durable jewellery will never go out of style. Even if trends change within the diamond industry, the high quality and timeless appeal of well-crafted diamond jewellery ensures they remain treasured.
How to Choose the Perfect Diamond?
The 4 Cs
Shape
There have been various diamond shapes designed over the years including round, princess, oval, pear, cushion, emerald and many more. This is mainly a personal preference and for aesthetic design. It also makes your purchase more unique and personal.
Setting and Metal Choice
A diamond setting is the way a diamond is displayed in a piece of jewellery. The most common types are: prong (metal prongs/claws to hold the diamond in place), bezel (a metal rim enclosing the diamond) and halo (a central diamond surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds). You can also choose a variety of metals such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold and others.
Lab-grown or Natural Diamonds
In recent years, synthetic diamonds have developed. They are a sustainable alternative to natural diamonds that have the same properties as natural diamonds (they look identical!) and are usually more affordable. Or maybe you prefer the allure of a naturally mined one.
What else to take into consideration?
- Budget
Your budget is probably your first consideration. Have a set budget before you start shopping. Balance those 4 Cs.
- Certification and Grading Report
Get familiar with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemological Institute (IGI) for reports on diamond characteristics and confirm their authenticity.
- Ethical consideration
Ethical sourcing is very important. Look for diamonds certified by reputable organizations: conflict-free and ethically sourced. The Kimberly Process helps guarantee that your purchase supports responsible mining practices.
And lastly, of course, Personal Choice! Choose what you like! We’ve just said that diamonds are timeless so this will become a cherished treasure.
