Choosing the Perfect Diamond
How To Select a Diamond
Buying a diamond can be a challenging undertaking. There are essential factors you should consider before making a purchase. We will help make this process easy for you. Here are steps you can take that will support you making an informed decision when choosing a diamond.
Step 1- Set a Budget
Setting a budget for a diamond purchase requires careful consideration of your financial situation, the occasion, and your personal preferences.
What we tell all our clients is that when you set your budget we want you to “Stretch Yourself, but don’t Stress Yourself.” Some occasions, like buying an engagement ring are a once in a lifetime event, so you want to make sure that you are doing it well without having financial stress looming over you.
We highly recommend that you take the time to educate yourself so that you can find a diamond that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Here are a few tips for setting a budget when choosing a diamond. Whatever your budget, we can work within it.- Educate yourself: The 4Cs of diamond quality (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight) can have a significant impact on the price of a diamond. Inform yourself about the 4Cs and determine which factors are most important to you. This will help prioritizing your spending and align your budget accordingly. We will gladly explain how to maximize the 4 Cs to achieve the best value.
- Determine what you can comfortably afford: Set a realistic budget. Consider your income, expenses, and other financial obligations so you can determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a diamond.
- Consider the occasion: An engagement ring is an extremely significant and symbolic purchase. This is a once in a lifetime event and you want your significant other to forever love the ring you give them. They will look at it every day of their lives.
Step 2 – Choose a Lab Diamond or Mined Diamond
Ultimately, the choice between a lab-grown or mined diamond comes down to values, budget, and personal preferences. We have provided you with aspects that can help determine which type of diamond to choose.
- Cost: Lab-grown diamonds are commonly more affordable than mined diamonds. This is possible as they can be produced on-demand, whereas mined diamonds are a finite resource that must be extracted from the earth.
- Ethics: Some people may choose lab-grown diamonds because they are considered more ethical than mined diamonds. Mined diamonds have a history of being associated with human rights abuses, environmental damage, and unethical mining practices.
- Quality: Lab-grown diamonds can be produced to very high standards of quality, with consistent high quality colour and clarity. Mined diamonds, on the other hand, can vary in quality depending on where they were mined and how they were extracted.
- Supply: Mined diamonds are a finite natural resource, and the supply of high-quality mined diamonds can fluctuate drastically making them more expensive or difficult to obtain. Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a laboratory setting, resulting in more readily available higher quality diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds of a specific size, shape, or colour are a great option for individuals looking for larger diamonds.
- Symbolism: For some people tradition and symbolism associated with a mined diamond may be important. For others a lab-grown diamond is more modern and a sustainable option that can hold more meaning.
Step 3 – Choose a Shape & Size
Ultimately, the choice between a lab-grown or mined diamond comes down to values, budget, and personal preferences. We have provided you with aspects that can help determine which type of diamond to choose.
- Choose a Diamond Shape: Diamonds come in many shapes, including round, princess, emerald, marquise, cushion, pear and more. Consider which shape you prefer, keeping in mind certain shapes may be more expensive than others.
- Choose a Carat Weight Range: Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond. Larger diamonds are generally more expensive, but they may not always be the best value. It is important not to have an exact size in mind when selecting a diamond. Consider choosing a smaller diamond with a higher quality cut or clarity rating, because this will give you a much nicer stone with higher value.
Step 4 – Assess the Certificate
Now that you know what shape and size range you want in a diamond, we recommend considering diamonds that have a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory. These certifications provide you with detailed information about the attributes of each diamond and will help in your selection process.
When looking through the certificate begin to assess each of the characteristics of the diamond, such as the 4 Cs, Fluorescence, post Growth Treatment, etc. Determine which factors matter the most to you and filter out the diamonds that match that criterion. It's important to understand these factors to make an informed decision. These characteristics will help determine the size of the stone you want and can afford.
When looking through the certificate begin to assess each of the characteristics of the diamond, such as the 4 Cs, Fluorescence, post Growth Treatment, etc. Determine which factors matter the most to you and filter out the diamonds that match that criterion. It's important to understand these factors to make an informed decision. These characteristics will help determine the size of the stone you want and can afford.
- Choose a Diamond Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to the symmetry, proportions and polish of the stone, not the shape of the diamond. A very good to excellent cut will enhance the diamond's brilliance and scintillation (sparkle), while a poor cut will make it look dull and lifeless. Look for diamonds with a "very good" or "excellent" cut rating.
- Choose a Clarity Rating: Clarity refers to the number of internal inclusions and external blemishes a diamond has. The fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the higher the clarity rating. Consider diamonds with a clarity rating of "SI1" or higher.
- Choose a Colour Rating: Diamonds come in many colours, but most diamonds are colourless or nearly colourless. When choosing a white diamond the less yellow colour a diamond has, the higher its colour rating. Diamonds within the colourless range of "D-F" or near colourless from "G-H" offer the best value.
Look at multiple diamonds and compare their specifications, such as cut, carat weight, clarity, and colour. You can also compare prices to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
Step 5 – Purchase
Once you've found a diamond that meets your criteria, add it to your cart and complete the checkout process. Make sure to review the details of your purchase, including shipping and return policies, before paying.
If you have any questions our Calico Team is happy to answer any questions that you may have.