| Diamonds have long been used in fine jewelry | | | | be purchased. Most jewelry stores offer the |
| designs and are treasured today, especially in our | | | | most sought-after carat, from 0.5 to 2 carat |
| most coveted type of jewelry - the engagement | | | | ones. Also they are priced according to such |
| ring. This precious gem is expensive, and there | | | | standards. |
| are many things to consider before buying any | | | | 6. Determine the color grade. If one wants to |
| type of diamond jewelry. | | | | purchase a bigger diamond at a much lesser price, |
| Here are 10 things you should think about before | | | | one only has to choose those that have much |
| purchasing a diamond: | | | | lower color grades. |
| 1. Finances. Before you buy a diamond, think | | | | 7. One or several stoned ring. A 1.5 carat solitaire |
| about if you really can afford it. Even though | | | | diamond is more expensive than another one that |
| every man wants to buy his fiancé a 5 | | | | has 6 stones at 0.25 carat each. This is due to |
| carat diamond ring, it would be unwise to charge it | | | | the fact that larger diamonds are much harder to |
| on his credit card if he does not have the means | | | | find. |
| to pay for it. | | | | 8. The shape. Diamonds are cut in square, |
| 2. Determine the kind of diamond that he or she | | | | marquises, oval or pear shaped ones. The last |
| wants to purchase. Is a small one ok, or is it size | | | | three shapes are the ones that make a diamond |
| you are going for? Remember a smaller diamond | | | | look much larger than it actually is. |
| of better quality may be worth more than a | | | | 9. Choose the color. A colorless diamond is much |
| larger diamond of less quality. | | | | more expensive than one that has slight |
| 3. Choose the store. To be sure that you are | | | | colorations. Some prefer slight colorations to give |
| getting what you pay for, it would be best if one | | | | it a more subtle touch of flair. |
| purchases their diamonds from known dealers of | | | | 10. In the end, what really makes a purchase |
| gemstone jewelry. Since online purchases for | | | | satisfying depends on ones standards. If an |
| diamonds are available, check first if they are real | | | | individual would be much happier with a 0.5 carat |
| dealers. | | | | diamond than a 5 carat one (for the simplists), go |
| 4. Certification. Real diamonds are certified. Make | | | | ahead purchase one, even if he or she can afford |
| sure to look for a certificate before buying one. | | | | 5 carat ones. |
| 5. Determine the carat of preferred diamond to | | | | |