How to Buy a Diamond

Your engagement and wedding rings will be the most treasured jewelry you will wear, and you want them to be show-stopping. Part of that journey is choosing the perfect stone. We will guide you in finding a gorgeous diamond and designing your ideal diamond engagement ring. This process doesn’t have to be stressful; it is a creative and touching way of expressing your love. Learning what to look for in a diamond will help you evaluate its quality, value, and price. You may have heard of the four Cs.  We’ll get into those and examine fluorescence, symmetry, and the benefits of starting with a loose diamond.

Cut

The cut is often considered the most important characteristic when buying a diamond because it determines its sparkle. This isn’t the same thing as the diamond shape. Cut is the diamond’s arrangement of its facets and quality of craftsmanship. The cutter’s work will determine the overall appearance of the diamond. The grades range from “excellent” to “poor.”

Clarity

The vast majority of diamonds have inclusions due to their creation process. This can create unique characteristics, both externally and internally, that aren’t always visible to the naked eye. The fewer inclusions there are, the higher the clarity grade. The GIA established a diamond grading system and clarity scale to allow you to navigate the world of diamonds. These terms are universal. The clarity scale ranges from internally flawless to included, and we would happily explain their differences.

Color

Another important detail when you are buying a diamond is the color. The diamond color scale ranges from D-Z. D is considered colorless, and diamonds get increasingly yellow further down the scale. Additionally, for those not looking for a white stone, colored diamonds are called “fancy diamonds” and can be anything from yellow to pink.

 Diamond Fluorescence

Diamond fluorescence refers to the property of some diamonds that emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as that found in sunlight or fluorescent lamps. This emitted light is usually blue but can also be other colors like yellow or green in rare cases.

How Fluorescence Affects a Diamond’s Appearance

• Under UV Light: When exposed to UV light, diamonds with fluorescence can glow. The intensity of this glow can range from faint to very strong.
• Normal Lighting: Fluorescence is typically not noticeable in regular lighting conditions. However, strong fluorescence can sometimes make a diamond appear cloudy or hazy.

How Fluorescence Affects a Diamond’s Value

• Positive Impact: A moderate level of blue fluorescence can make diamonds with lower color grades (I, J, K, and lower) appear whiter and more attractive.
• Negative Impact: For higher color grades (D, E, F), strong fluorescence can sometimes be seen as a defect, potentially reducing the diamond’s value because it can cause a milky or oily appearance.
• Market Perception: The perception of fluorescence can vary by market. In some regions, fluorescence is highly valued; in others, it may be seen as undesirable.

Pros and Cons of Diamond Fluorescence

Pros

1. Enhanced Appearance for Lower-Color Diamonds: Blue fluorescence can counteract yellowish tints in lower-color grade diamonds, making them appear whiter.
2. Unique Character: Fluorescence can give a diamond a unique character, appealing to some buyers who seek this distinctiveness.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Diamonds with fluorescence are often priced lower than non-fluorescent diamonds of the same grade, potentially offering a good value for budget-conscious buyers.

Cons

1. Potential Cloudiness: Strong fluorescence can cause a diamond to appear hazy or oily, particularly under certain lighting conditions.
2. Market Perception: Depending on the market and individual preferences, fluorescence may be seen as a negative trait, potentially making the diamond harder to resell.
3. Color Distortion: In rare cases, very strong fluorescence can alter the perceived color of a diamond, making it look slightly different in various lighting environments.

So what should the Buyer consider regarding diamond Fluorescence?

When buying a diamond, fluorescence is one of the many factors affecting its appearance and value. For those considering diamonds with fluorescence, viewing the diamond in various lighting conditions is advisable, as well as consulting a knowledgeable jeweler to understand how fluorescence impacts the diamond in question. Buyers can make informed decisions that align with their aesthetic preferences and investment considerations.

Diamond Symmetry and Polish

What is Diamond Symmetry? Diamond symmetry refers to the exactness of the shape and arrangement of a diamond’s facets. It assesses how well the facets align and how proportionately they are positioned relative to one another.

Role of Symmetry in a Diamond’s Appearance and Light Performance:

1. Aesthetic Appeal:
   • Uniformity: Symmetry ensures that all facets of the diamond are uniformly shaped and positioned, contributing to the overall visual harmony of the diamond. A well-symmetrical diamond appears more balanced and pleasing to the eye.
   • Facet Alignment: Proper symmetry ensures that each facet interacts with light in a coordinated manner, enhancing the diamond’s overall brilliance and fire.
2. Light Performance:
   • Brilliance: Symmetry affects how light is reflected and refracted within the diamond. Light enters the diamond when the facets are perfectly aligned and is reflected to the observer’s eye more efficiently, creating maximum brilliance.
   • Fire and Scintillation: Symmetry contributes to the diamond’s dispersion of light (fire) and the sparkle (scintillation). A diamond with poor symmetry may leak light, resulting in a less lively appearance.

Grading Symmetry: Symmetry is graded by gemological laboratories (e.g., GIA) on a scale from Excellent to Poor. Higher symmetry grades indicate better light performance and visual appeal.

Polish Quality

What is Diamond Polish? Polish refers to the smoothness of the diamond’s surface after it has been cut. It assesses the presence of surface blemishes or marks left by the polishing process.

Impact of Polish Quality on Diamond’s Sparkle and Value:

1. Sparkle and Brilliance:
   • Surface Smoothness: A high-quality polish means the diamond’s surface is smooth and free from blemishes, allowing light to enter and exit the diamond without obstruction. This enhances the diamond’s sparkle and overall brilliance.
   • Light Interaction: Smooth surfaces ensure light is not scattered or diffused upon entry or exit, maintaining the diamond’s ability to reflect light effectively.
2. Value:
   • Market Value: Diamonds with excellent polish are often more valuable because they exhibit superior optical performance and visual appeal. Conversely, diamonds with poor polish may have reduced value due to diminished light performance and visible surface flaws.
   • Aesthetic Quality: Polish quality can influence a buyer’s perception of the diamond’s quality. A well-polished diamond appears cleaner and more refined, which can justify a higher price point.

Grading Polish: Like symmetry, polish is graded by gemological laboratories on a scale from Excellent to Poor. An excellent polish grade indicates a flawless or nearly flawless surface, while lower grades indicate the presence of surface imperfections.

When buying a diamond, considering both symmetry and polish is crucial:

• Symmetry: Ensures the diamond’s facets are perfectly aligned, maximizing brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Higher symmetry grades contribute to the diamond’s overall beauty and light performance.
• Polish: Ensures the diamond’s surface is smooth and free from blemishes, enhancing sparkle and overall visual appeal. High polish grades indicate superior craftsmanship and can positively impact the diamond’s value.

By paying attention to these factors, buyers can make informed decisions and ensure they select a diamond with optimal visual qualities and market value.

Comparing Loose Diamonds vs. Mounted Diamonds

NB, When purchasing a diamond ring from Peter Norman, the process will always involve selecting a loose diamond, as all rings are custom made and never off the shelf. Loose Diamonds

Advantages of Buying a Loose Diamond and Then Having It Set in a Custom Ring:

1. Quality Inspection:
   • Thorough Examination: Buyers can thoroughly inspect a loose diamond from all angles. This allows for a more accurate assessment of the diamond’s cut, clarity, color, and carat weight without any obstructions from the setting.
   • Certification Verification: It is easier to verify the diamond’s certification details (such as GIA or AGS reports) and ensure it meets the desired specifications.
2. Customization:
   • Personalized Design: Selecting a loose diamond allows for complete customization of the ring setting. Buyers can work with the jeweler to design a ring that perfectly complements the diamond and suits their style.
   • Unique Creation: Each custom-made ring is unique, ensuring the final piece is tailored to the buyer’s preferences and specifications.
3. Enhanced Value:
   • Optimal Setting Choice: Buyers can choose the best setting to enhance the diamond’s features, maximizing its brilliance and overall appearance.
   • Potential Cost Savings: Custom settings can sometimes be more cost-effective than purchasing a pre-set ring, as buyers control the diamond and the setting.

Considerations:

• Time and Effort: Custom-making a ring from a loose diamond can take more time and effort than buying a pre-set ring. However, personalized results often outweigh this consideration, which is usually the case for Peter Norman clients.

Mounted Diamonds

Pros and Cons of Buying a Diamond That is Already Set in a Ring:

Pros:

1. Convenience:
   • Immediate Purchase: Pre-set rings are readily available, allowing buyers to purchase immediately without customization.
   • Less Decision-Making: Buying a mounted diamond can be less overwhelming for those who prefer a simpler process, as the setting and diamond are already chosen.
2. Seeing the Final Product:
   • Visual Appeal: Buyers can see the complete ring, which provides a clear understanding of how the diamond looks in its setting and ensures satisfaction with the final appearance.

Cons:

1. Limited Inspection:
   • Obstructed View: It is more challenging to inspect the diamond’s quality and details thoroughly, as the setting can hide certain aspects of the diamond.
   • Fixed Design: Buyers are limited to the available designs and cannot customize the setting to their preferences.
2. Potential Mismatch:
   • Setting and Diamond Compatibility: There is a risk that the pre-set ring may not optimally showcase the diamond’s best features. A custom setting can better highlight the diamond’s unique characteristics.

Final Thoughts – Loose Diamonds vs in Ring.

When purchasing a diamond ring from Peter Norman, the emphasis is on choosing a loose diamond to ensure a personalized and high-quality experience. The advantages of loose diamonds—such as thorough quality inspection, complete customization, and enhanced value—make this process ideal for creating a unique and tailored ring. While mounted diamonds offer convenience and immediate purchase, they come with limitations in inspection and customization. By choosing a loose diamond for a custom ring, buyers can ensure that their final piece is truly one-of-a-kind, perfectly reflecting their style and preferences.

Carat Weight

Lastly, the carat weight is another key feature of your diamond. Size can also reflect the stone’s rarity, as large stones are scarcer. If all other factors are equal, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone is.

Ready to choose your diamond? Check out our diamonds page and discover our engagement rings or make a custom request to create the ring of your dreams!