Everything You Need to Evaluate and Shop for Diamonds
By Carly Wickell, About.com Guide to Jewelry / Accessories
Diamonds can be manipulated in all sorts of ways to make them more attractive, and that's perfectly fine, because it makes what would otherwise be less desirable diamonds more attractive and more affordable. But if a diamond has been altered, it's something you should know before you buy it. Get the information you need to make an informed diamond purchase, beginning with the basic Four Cs, and then dig deeper to learn the ins and outs of diamond treatments. Finish up by exploring diamond shapes and colors and all sorts of setting methods.
Diamonds and the Four Cs
Four important diamond characteristics are known as the Four Cs: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each quality is important on its own, but it's up to you to combine all four in different ways to find a diamond that suits your style, your needs and your budget.
- Facts About Diamond Color
- The Importance of Diamond Clarity
- Diamond Cut (Hint: Cut Isn't About Shape)
- Diamond Carat Weight
Must-Know Diamond Characteristics
The Four Cs are important, and they branch off into all sorts of sub-characteristics that you should explore if you want to know as much as possible about diamonds before you buy.
- Diamond Fluorescence
- What You Need to Know About Diamond Blemishes
- A Diamond's Interior "Fingerprints"
- Use a Jewelry Loupe to Peek Inside the Diamond
Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Diamond rings are the number one engagement ring choice, but other gemstones are gaining popularity with brides to be. Use these resources to choose and find the perfect engagement ring.
- Engagement Ring Advice for Guys
- 5 Ways to Make a Diamond Look Larger
- Four Ways to Choose a Diamond Shape
- Most Popular Diamond Shapes - Facts & Photos
- Popular Choices for Engravings
- Which Type of Engraving Is "Best?"
When a White Diamond Just Won't Do
Fancy color diamonds have become more popular in recent years, in part because treatments have been devised to transform blah-colored gems into vivid colors. Colored diamonds have their own specific Four Cs guidelines -- don't shop until you know what to watch for and which questions to ask the seller.
Diamond Treatments
A natural diamond has been cut and polished, but it hasn't been treated with heat to enhance its color or other characteristics, it hasn't been coated, it hasn't been drilled into to remove internal flaws. Treatments are common, and there's nothing wrong with (most) treated diamonds, but alterations should always be disclosed. Use this advice to learn as much about diamond treatments before you go shopping.
Diamond Odds and Ends
A selection of articles to help you learn more about the world of diamonds.
