Diamond Buying Tips
Diamond jewelry is often a gift with a purpose. However, not all diamonds are the same. Whether it is an engagement ring or a gift to show your appreciation, buying diamonds requires a fair bit of thought to ensure the recipient appreciates it in the way you hope.
Peter & Co. Jewelers understands the magnitude of this decision. As a premier jeweler serving Avon Lake and the surrounding Cleveland, Ohio, area, we provide a diamond buying guide to educate our customers and enhance their overall experience when making this important purchase.
Cut
The cut of a diamond is extremely important because the cut affects how it reflects and refracts light and ultimately can have the biggest impact on the value of the diamond. In layman’s terms, the cut determines how much sparkle a diamond has. When a diamond is cut too deep or shallow, the light will not be refracted back through the face of the diamond, resulting in a dull appearance compared to better cuts. Cut is graded on a scale from Poor to Ideal. Ideal cut grades are given to diamonds with exacting proportions, symmetry, and polish resulting in the most light return.
Color
Peter & Co. Jewelers understands the magnitude of this decision. As a premier jeweler serving Avon Lake and the surrounding Cleveland, Ohio, area, we provide a diamond buying guide to educate our customers and enhance their overall experience when making this important purchase.
Characteristics of Diamonds
At first glance, diamonds might all look the same. Upon diving deeper into their characteristics, you will notice key differences. These distinctions matter because they help determine the diamond’s value. The four characteristics of a faceted diamond are as follows:Cut
The cut of a diamond is extremely important because the cut affects how it reflects and refracts light and ultimately can have the biggest impact on the value of the diamond. In layman’s terms, the cut determines how much sparkle a diamond has. When a diamond is cut too deep or shallow, the light will not be refracted back through the face of the diamond, resulting in a dull appearance compared to better cuts. Cut is graded on a scale from Poor to Ideal. Ideal cut grades are given to diamonds with exacting proportions, symmetry, and polish resulting in the most light return.
Color
Perhaps there is no other feature customers pay more attention to than color. Diamonds are found in a wide range of colors and hues, such as gray, white, yellow, brown, blue, red, green, and pink. The extremely rare natural-colored diamonds are blue, red, green, and pink. It is also rare to find a diamond that does not have any color at all
The color of a diamond is ranked on a GIA grading scale from D to Z. Diamonds at the D, E, and F levels are completely or almost completely colorless. As the letter system progresses, diamonds become more saturated with yellow color until Z.
Clarity
In addition to sparkle, most people are attracted to the "perfect" look of diamonds. However, not all diamonds share the same level of clarity. Diamond clarity refers to a qualitative assessment of the natural characteristics present in a diamond. There are 11 rankings for diamond clarity, ranging from F (flawless) to I3 (Included 3).
Carat Weight
When it comes to selecting a diamond, most notably for an engagement ring, carat weight is often the first factor considered by the consumer. Contrary to what many believe, carat weight refers to the actual weight of the diamond rather than the dimensions or size. A one-carat diamond has 100 points. At 25 points, a diamond would be considered a ¼ carat, whereas a 200-point diamond is a two-carat gem.
Shape
Commonly thought of as one of the 4c’s and confused with Cut. The shape of a diamond is just that, the outline of the diamond itself. Some of the most common diamond shapes include:
- Round
- Princess
- Oval
- Emerald
- Pear
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are a relatively new addition to the diamond market. These diamonds are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology that replicates the natural process of diamond formation. They possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable. However, what sets lab-grown diamonds apart is their affordability compared to natural diamonds. Peter & Co. Jewelers takes pride in our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment that allows us to accurately determine and differentiate between lab-grown and natural diamonds.
At Peter & Co. Jewelers, we believe that it is ultimately the consumer's decision to choose between lab-grown and natural diamonds. We understand that each customer has their own preferences and priorities when it comes to purchasing a diamond. Some may value the rarity and natural origin of a natural diamond, while others may appreciate the affordability aspect of lab-grown diamonds.
Regardless of your choice, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality diamonds and ensuring transparency in our diamond sourcing. Our laboratory equipment allows us to accurately determine the type of diamonds, giving our customers confidence and assurance in their purchase.
Diamond Care
The quality of the diamond you purchase will not matter if you do not properly care for it. To ensure your diamond pieces remain in pristine condition, Peter & Co. Jewelers offers advice on proper jewelry and diamond care. We also offer professional cleaning services to clients who feel their diamond piece has lost its original shine.
Even though diamonds are said to last forever, diamond jewelry can still be damaged if not handled properly. Peter & Co. Jewelers offers expert jewelry repair services. Our certified master goldsmith can perform ring resizing, diamond resetting, chain repairs, and various other services to return your diamond jewelry to its original appearance.
Buy Diamonds and more at Peter & Co. Jewelers
Those searching for a one-of-kind gift, or those simply wanting to treat themselves, should consider the vast selection at Peter & Co. Jewelers. Our collection of jewelry features numerous elegant pieces in a wide variety of styles from the top brands in the industry. Those unfamiliar with the diamond purchasing process can work closely with our knowledgeable team members. We will discuss each component of the diamond to ensure you make an informed purchase.
At Peter & Co. Jewelers, we are always happy to share our diamond expertise. That willingness to assist our clients has made us a premiere jeweler in Avon Lake and the Cleveland, OH area. For more information about diamonds or our other offerings, contact us to speak with a team member. You can also visit our store to buy jewelry today.