Purchasing a diamond is an activity that should never be taken lightly. Diamonds are an investment, to be certain, but you are usually banking on more than just financial returns when you buy this sparkly gemstone. Often, it is also an investment in a relationship. A diamond engagement ring could secure a future with the woman you love. Diamond studs might let your mother know how much you appreciate everything she’s done for you. And a tennis bracelet could commemorate the birth of your first child. In short, diamonds are forever, and they are not just a physical commodity, but also an experience. So when you go to buy a diamond, for whatever purpose, you need to make sure that you are getting the right one for the occasion. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you make this important purchase.
1. The intended recipient. Who you’re giving a diamond to can have a huge impact on what you get. For example, you wouldn’t want to get a diamond ring for a girl you’re dating unless you’re planning to propose. You get the idea.
2. The occasion. Certain diamonds are meant for an occasion. The obvious reference here is a diamond engagement ring. However, you should also be aware that big events (diamond anniversary, 50th birthday, promotion at work, etc.) call for certain types of gifts, so consider the circumstance before you buy. Often, a jeweler can help you select the right type of accessory.
3. Current collection. You don’t want to make the mistake of giving her something she already has. So peruse her jewelry collection to ascertain which pieces she might be in need of and try to match her particular style. When in doubt, take photos for comparison.
4. The four Cs. Cut, color, clarity, and carat are always important when choosing stones, and the piece you select will depend largely on the preference of the person you’re giving it to. However, you generally can’t go wrong by choosing a moderately sized stone (1 carat plus is good for a ring, while you could go a little smaller with earrings or a bit larger with a pendant necklace) that is colorless or nearly colorless with limited flaws. And a round cut will always provide the most brilliance.
5. The fifth C. That would be cost. Make sure to set a budget and stick to it. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to play with, you can still find spectacular stones thanks to the internet. Because online stores don’t have the same overhead as physical locations, they generally offer a huge savings over storefront locations, so you can get exactly what you want for less.
