How to verify diamond quality

Diamonds are very rare and expensive stones used in jewelry that define your personality and add a touch of class to most jewelry designs. Diamonds are available in various sizes, styles, shapes, and cost, and are most popularly used in engagement rings. Most women love diamonds and the saying that ‘diamonds are forever’ holds true when you buy good quality diamonds. Read on to know more on how to verify diamond quality.

Diamond quality

When you buy diamonds, the first most important aspect is to access its quality. Diamonds are sourced from different countries and the value of diamonds comes from its size, quality, and cut. Usually, the cut also decides the amount of rough diamond which remains that can increase or decrease its value. For example, a brilliant cut diamond only retains 50% of the rough diamond, whereas the princess cut diamond retains more, and so the brilliant cut diamond costs more than the princess cut shape. Considerations The primary thing to consider when purchasing a diamond is its cut or its facets that decides its sparkle, its size or weight also called karat, its clarity (flawless, Si1 clarity, or vvs diamonds) and its colour that can range from pure white, yellow, pink, green, red, and brown. When buying diamonds, always ask for the cut that has a table percentage of 55-60%. If the diamond crown is mounted, the measurement will still remain the same. Therefore, check the measurements before and after mounting. When buying a diamond, select the diamond on the basis of its point size and not of its fractional weight. When choosing the colour, remember that D colour is the best, as colours range from D-X and the diamond quality and price depends on these factors.

Testing diamonds

You cannot test diamonds by just using your naked eye. When buying diamonds, ensure that you get a certification from your jeweller. This may cost a little more, but it helps if you have a certification from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or from EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). Most jewellers also use light to test the diamond quality, so ask your jeweller to show your diamonds quality using a diamond tester. When you want to check any inclusions in your diamond, ask for the jeweller’s magnifying glass, also known as the jeweller's loop. Using these simple steps will help you judge your diamond’s real quality.