| It was more than 2800 years ago that the first | | | | usually be seen without magnification. When |
| diamonds were mined in India. In actuality, | | | | purchasing a diamond for clarity, look for the |
| diamonds are much older than one would think. | | | | presence of dark spots inside the diamond. |
| Most diamonds we find today are at least 900 | | | | How to Buy a Diamond based on Carats: Carat |
| million years old. Experts believe that the oldest | | | | defines the size of the diamond. Larger diamonds |
| known diamond is around 3.2 billion years old. Each | | | | (those of a higher carat) will cost more than a |
| mined diamond is completely unique. To the | | | | cluster of smaller diamonds, even if the total |
| trained eye, one can find that there are no two | | | | carats of the diamond cluster are the same. This |
| diamonds that are precisely the same. | | | | means that a single one-carat diamond will cost |
| When learning how to purchase a diamond, there | | | | you more than three diamonds set in a ring that |
| are many things to consider. Until you know more | | | | add up to one carat. The reason behind this is |
| and have done your research, you should never | | | | that larger diamonds are rarer than smaller |
| rush into buying a diamond. It's especially | | | | diamonds. Unfortunately, this is impacted by the |
| important to learn how diamonds are priced. | | | | fact that, when diamonds are cut, they lose |
| The "4 C's" | | | | about half their size. |
| You will have many factors to consider when | | | | How to Buy a Diamond based on Color: The color |
| buying a diamond. Throughout the world, there is | | | | of diamond you choose is entirely based upon |
| an established method that jewelers use as a | | | | your personal preference. Diamonds that are |
| way of describing the value of a diamond. The | | | | colorless, however, are the rarest and therefore |
| method is known as the "4 C's". If you are | | | | cost more than other diamonds. Colorless |
| interested in understanding how to buy a diamond, | | | | diamonds are known as white diamonds. |
| it would help to know exactly what the 4 C's are | | | | Diamonds also come in a variety of different |
| and how each aspect of the diamond contributes | | | | hues, including yellow, green, blue and pink. There |
| to its value. | | | | are even diamonds known as "black diamonds". |
| The 4 C's represent Cut, Clarity, Carats and Color | | | | Certificates and Appraisals |
| Buying a Diamond based on Cut: The cut of a | | | | While understanding the 4 C's in determining how |
| diamond is a description of how the diamond | | | | to buy a diamond, you should also learn how to |
| maker angles the gemstone in such a way as to | | | | read diamond certificates. These certificates |
| best reflect light through the diamond, resulting in | | | | describe in detail the facts about the diamond in |
| the diamond's sparkle. A high quality cut enhances | | | | its unmounted state. Perhaps you have a specific |
| the innate beauty of a diamond and increases its | | | | diamond you want to have professionally |
| value. A poorly cut diamond isn't as brilliant or | | | | appraised by an independent organization. This is |
| shiny and, therefore, will be less valuable. | | | | probably not best done by the jeweler you are |
| How to Buy a Diamond based on Clarity: The | | | | buying the diamond from because they are often |
| clarity of a diamond involves looking at how clear | | | | biased and may appraise the diamond at a slightly |
| the diamond is when you look through it. Most | | | | higher value than what it's actually worth in order |
| diamonds have inclusions and flaws and it is rare | | | | to receive more income from the sale of the |
| to find a perfect diamond. Flaws, however, cannot | | | | diamond. |