Articles by Stan Paul

TIPS ON HOW TO BUY A DIAMONDS 

Buying a diamond can be an expensive purchase where one should be educated.  So, how do you buy the highest quality diamond for your money?  Most of you know about the 4C’s of Diamond buying:  Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color.  But what you probably don’t know, and most jewelers will not reveal, is in the CUT!

For round brilliant cut diamonds, which are the most sought after for their brilliance, you should always ask your jeweler, “What is the proportional cut of the diamond?”  Diamonds are cut according to an exact mathematical formula and measured by the “table” percentage.  For example, a round brilliant cut finished diamond should have 58 “facets.”  The widest circumference of a diamond is the “girdle.”  Above the “girdle”, there are 32 “facets” plus the “table”.  The “table” is the largest topmost “facet”.  A good “table” percentage is between 57%-61%.  This is extremely important!  Below the “girdle”, there are 24 “facets” plus the “culet”, or point at the base of the diamond.  The better proportioned these “facets” are on the diamond; the more light will be reflected back to the viewer’s eye.  When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more.

Another checkpoint is to compare two round brilliant cut diamonds weighing one “carat.”  When looking at these two diamonds, a disproportionately cut diamond can visibly change the appearance of the size of the diamond, without changing the “carat” weight.  For example, a diamond that weights one carat can visibly look like a ¾ carat or could look like a 1 ¼ carat stone.  Again, a good “table” percentage is between 57%-61%!  If the “cut” falls outside the proportions stated above, it will compromise the brilliance and should be reflected in the price!

Unlike the other 3C’s, which can most times be seen and understood by an educated consumer when measuring the quality of the diamond, the “Cut” dimensions are not.    Therefore, on a ¾ carat size or larger diamond purchase, we highly recommend you ask about the “cut” proportions and request a Certification Report, which clearly states the diamond’s “cut” proportions and parameters. 

Now, as an EDUCATED consumer, you can make your decision based on quality versus affordability!

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This article was published in the North Shore Women's Journal

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