Diamond Buying Guide
from Overstock.comFine jewelry is an investment that can last for generations, especially if it features diamonds. This diamond buying guide explains the stones that are featured in today's finest jewelry and provides tips on buying diamonds and caring for your diamond jewelry.
When purchasing diamond rings, diamond earrings or any type of diamond jewelry, you must pay attention to the diamond's four Cs: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. These are the four characteristics by which a diamond's quality is measured. If all four are ranked high, the diamond jewelry will cost more, but will be that much more beautiful.
Diamond color
Traditionally, diamond color is actually graded on lack of color -- the best diamonds are almost clear. The hues graded in "white" diamonds are actually faint tones of yellow, brown, and grays. An alphabetical scale from D through Z is used to express the color. Imagine two glasses of water -- one clear, the other containing a few drops of lemonade -- and you will begin to get an idea of the differences in diamond color grades. The following color scale is an approximate representation of color saturation in diamonds:
- D-F: Colorless
- G-I: Near colorless
- J-K: Faint color
- L-R: Noticeable color
- S-Z: Obvious color
Once the color saturation moves beyond Z, or has a completely different hue than yellow, brown, or gray, it then becomes a fancy color diamond. Fancy colors are graded on how much color and how strong it is. Diamonds come in every color of the rainbow including blue, pink, yellow, purple and black. In general, fancy diamonds are more rare than white diamonds.
Diamond clarity
Clarity is the grade that describes the inclusions and blemishes of the diamond. The fewer inclusions and blemishes, the more valuable the diamond. Clarity can also have a direct impact on the stone's brilliance. Inclusions in the diamond can block the light from reflecting inside the stone, which is the feature that gives diamond jewelry its brilliant beauty.
The following diamond clarity grades are listed from best to least and are based on the observation of a trained gemologist:
- FL (flawless): No inclusions or blemishes of any kind are visible inside or outside the diamond under 10-power magnification.
- IF (internally flawless): Diamond has no internal inclusions seen under 10-power magnification, but has some external or surface blemishes such as a miniscule scratch.
- VVS-1 & 2 (very, very slightly included): Diamond with inclusions so minute that a trained gemologist has significant difficulty seeing them in the diamond under 10-power magnification.
- VS-1 & 2 (very slightly included): Diamond has minor inclusions which are moderately difficult to see under 10-power magnification.
- SI-1 & 2 (slightly included): Diamond has inclusions somewhat easily seen with 10-power magnification, but extremely difficult for the gemologist to see without magnification.
- SI-3 (slightly included): Stones that fall right on the border between SI-2 and I-1.
- I-1, 2 & 3 (included): Diamond has inclusions that are noticeable without magnification.
Diamond cut
Cut is divided into shape, proportion, polish and symmetry. Shape and proportion are all of great importance when cutting a diamond to its best appearance. Shape and proportion affect how a diamond "scintillates" or shines because it affects how light is reflected and refracted inside the stone, which is what causes diamonds to sparkle. Depending on how deep or shallow the diamond is cut, the face-up appearance of the diamond can also vary greatly. The polish describes how well light enters and exits the facets of the diamond. Symmetry can describe both length to width ratio and also depth percentages. "Ideal cut" is the best.
Here are some common diamond shapes:
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| Round | Princess | Marquise | Emerald | Radiant | Asscher | Oval | Pear | Heart |
Diamond carat weight
Carat is a weight measurement of diamonds. It is abbreviated "ct" or "CT" when describing a single stone. "TDW," meaning "total diamond weight," is added when the diamond jewelry is set with multiple diamonds. For example, a solitaire diamond engagement ring may be describes as "1ct" while a 3-stone diamond anniversary ring would be 1ct TDW. [Note: Carat is not the measure of gold's purity; that is spelled "karat" and is abbreviated "k." So, you may have a 1ct diamond in a 22k setting.]
It is difficult for most people to equate carat weight with an actual size. Therefore, we have included a brief guideline for comparing carat weight to millimeters. In this example, we use round and princess ideal cut diamonds. Differences in the diamond shape, depth and cut of a specific stone will mean significant variations from these sample measurements.
How can I be sure I'm getting a good diamond when I buy it online?
Each diamond jewelry description on Overstock.com lists all four Cs of the diamond and detailed photos of each piece of diamond jewelry, so you know exactly what you're getting. In addition, our diamond jewelry prices are the best on the Web and shipping costs next to nothing.
How does a lab-grown diamond compare to a natural diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is sometimes called a "synthetic" diamond. This is often wrongly interpreted as "fake." Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as stones mined from the earth, and each lab-grown stone is unique. They have the same hardness, specific gravity, dispersion factor and refractive index as natural diamonds. They are polished the same way, and they have the same brilliance and sparkle. Basically, both are real diamonds; one is just grown in the earth and the other in a lab!
How can I keep my diamond clean?
You can easily clean your diamonds with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap mixed with water. Don't scrub too hard, however. The toothbrush won't scratch the diamond, but the metal of diamond engagement rings and diamond necklaces is often soft and scratches easily. You should, now and then, get your jewelry professionally cleaned by a jeweler.
Do you sell conflict diamonds?
Most of the world's diamonds are mined in Africa. Unfortunately, in some of those countries, terrorist groups illegally mine and smuggle diamonds to fund their fight against their governments. Such stones have come to be called "conflict diamonds." Overstock.com actively supports the United Nation's Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to help eliminate the sale of conflict diamonds and guarantees that all diamonds offered for sale on our site have been purchased from recognized, legitimate sources in compliance with all United Nations Resolutions and, to the best of our knowledge and ability, none of our diamonds fund any terrorist activity. Overstock.com makes this assurance based on personal knowledge or written guarantees provided by our diamond suppliers.
Don't stop at an engagement ring
Overstock.com has a huge selection of beautiful wedding jewelry for men who are ready surprise her by popping the question or couples making that selection together. We also feature handsome men's rings.
Those who have been married for a few years will also find beautiful, affordable diamond rings. Check out our assortment of elegant three stone diamond rings, representing your past, present and future together. Browse through our diamond eternity bands for the perfect birthday present. Also look at our elegant diamond anniversary rings -- the ones that say you'd marry her all over again.
More diamond jewelry to match the ring
It wouldn't hurt to add a little sparkle to the ears or neck. You'll love the selection of diamond earrings and diamond necklaces at Overstock.com. With so many different diamond shapes available at low prices, you can easily find the earrings and necklaces that match your ring. We also offer lots of diamond bracelets.
Expand your options with loose diamonds
Maybe you want to design a truly unique setting, or you already have a setting that's missing the right diamond. Overstock.com can help by providing you with an assortment of loose diamonds. From under half a carat to two carats, you can easily find the perfect stone, and you'll pay so much less for it than you would at your local jewelry store.