Peter Norman - Buying a Diamond Guide

How to Buy a Diamond

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Categorized as Blog

Your engagement ring and your wedding ring will be the most important pieces of jewelry you will wear in your life, and you want them to be show-stopping. Part of that special journey is to do your research to find the perfect stone. We will guide you in finding a gorgeous diamond and designing a ring that suits your loved one. 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, and therefore, its value and price. You may have heard of the four Cs – but what exactly are they?

Cut

The cut is often considered the most important characteristic to consider when buying a diamond because it will determine a diamond’s 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.”

Peter Norman - Buying a Diamond Guide

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 your way through the world of diamonds. These terms are universal. The clarity scale ranges from internally flawless to included, and we would be happy to explain the differences between them.

Peter Norman - Buying a Diamond Guide

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 the further you go 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.

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!

Peter Norman - Buying a Diamond Guide

By Peter Norman

Peter Norman is one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated wedding jewelers, with his custom-made engagement rings and wedding bands taking center place in hundreds of weddings over the last 20 years. Each engagement ring is custom designed, built to order, and can suit any budget: from the simply elegant 1-carat solitaires to the exquisite pieces fit for (and sometimes purchased by) royalty.

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