A loose diamond is an expensive purchase. To get your money’s worth, you should pay attention to some rules for selecting the best stone you can afford. Here is the list of essential rules for buying loose diamonds.
Ask For a Certificate
A certificate is a document that lists all quality characteristics of a diamond. Each of the features is graded on a standard scale. The most popular and trusted authority is the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The purpose of a certificate is to prove that the quality of the diamond has been evaluated by an independent party.
In fact, without this document, any claims as to the diamond’s colour, clarity, cut and other features remain unverified. That’s why you should not make a purchase based only on the salesperson’s opinion.
Always ask for a certificate to make sure what you are paying for.
Example of laser inscription on a diamond’s girdleLook for a Laser Inscription
Laser inscription is related to certification. It’s a unique ID number that is engraved on the stone. The laser inscription on the diamond should be the same as the ID written on the certificate. This is how you know that the certificate describes the stone you are looking at.
The inscription is extremely important as it allows you to recognize your diamond among other similar-looking stones.
For example, if someone attempts to replace your diamond with another stone, you can always check the laser inscription to make sure you have the right diamond.
In case the diamond doesn’t have an inscription, you can identify the stone by its plot as well. The diamond plot is a diagram included in a certificate that maps all flaws in the stone.
Compare Prices
It’s always useful to go to different jewellery stores and ask about the prices of diamonds in the quality range you are about to buy. Compare the prices quoted by different jewellers.
It may turn out that though a salesperson tells you are getting a huge discount in their shop, in reality, “discounted” price is actually the price everyone else sells at. However, it is really important to make sure you are not comparing apples and oranges. The colour, clarity, cut and carat weight of the diamonds should be the same or at least very close.
Image credit: Sotheby’sInspect the Diamond Under Magnification
Never buy a diamond before you have examined it closely yourself. Ask the jeweller to show you the stone under a loupe or a microscope.
Take a good look and see if there are any cracks within the diamond. Keep in mind that any thin hair-like lines you may notice are not cracks but natural flaws.
Look at the surface of the diamond and make sure it’s not chipped or damaged. Pay special attention when looking along the stone’s edges, since those parts are more vulnerable to chipping.
Look at the diamond’s natural flaws and compare to the other stones you are considering. You should be comfortable with the level of clarity you are getting. Generally, the clarity grade should be high enough so there are no visible flaws with the naked eye.
Inspect the colour of the diamond you like. As long as your diamond is not visibly yellowish, its colour will look great when worn.
