Which Type of Diamond is Best? A Buyer’s Guide
When selecting a diamond, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with eight key attributes that professional jewelers consider.
So which type of diamond is best? Begin with the fundamental 4 C’s of Diamonds: Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut. Then consider diamond shapes, fluorescence, certification, and the option of buying lab-grown diamonds.
Diamond Carat Weight
Diamonds are measured in metric carats, with each carat equaling 200 milligrams. For precision, carats are divided into 100 “points.” Most diamonds are labeled in carats or fractions thereof, though very small stones may be described in points. For example, a 2 carat ring with 30 points is indicated as follows: 2.3 ct.
A misconception is the assumption that a higher carat value invariably signifies a superior diamond. While it’s true that oversized gems often serve as symbols of prestige, the carat measurement has no direct correlation with a diamond’s brilliance. The captivating sparkle that we admire is actually a result of expert craftsmanship in the cutting process. In fact, it’s entirely possible for a diamond with a lower carat weight but superior cut to appear more impressive than a larger stone with a subpar cut, despite the latter’s greater mass.
Diamond Color
True colorless diamonds are rare. Most have slight yellow or brown tints. Gemologists use a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow) to grade diamond color. Colorless stones (D-F) are most valuable. For optimal value, consider diamonds graded D to I.
Diamond Clarity
Diamonds often contain internal inclusions and external blemishes due to their formation process. Clarity grades range from Loupe Clean (LC) to Piqué 3 (P3), reflecting the number, type, and location of these imperfections. While higher clarity grades significantly increase a diamond’s price, it’s worth considering stones with inclusions that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This approach offers a better balance between quality and value. For natural diamonds, clarity grades in the VS2 to SI1 range are often recommended. Lab-grown diamonds typically have fewer inclusions, so a range of VVS2 to VS2 is suggested for optimal value. These ranges usually provide an excellent compromise between a gorgeous look and its cost.
Diamond Cut
A diamond’s cut refers to its facets and angles which affect light interaction. Well-cut diamonds exhibit superior brightness, fire, and scintillation. Cut quality is evaluated based on proportions, symmetry, and polish, with grades ranging from Excellent to Poor.
The diamond’s cut grade is paramount in determining its overall visual appeal. A diamond with an excellent cut can compensate for slightly lower color or clarity grades, as its superior light performance creates impressive sparkle and brilliance. Conversely, even a diamond with top-tier color and clarity can appear lackluster if poorly cut. However, cut grade alone isn’t sufficient; it’s crucial to take symmetry and polish into account as well. Opt for diamonds with Very Good or Excellent ratings in these areas to fully appreciate the impact of a high-quality cut. This combination of factors will result in a diamond that maximizes its light interaction, producing a visually stunning gem regardless of minor variations in color or clarity.
Varieties of Diamond Shapes
While round brilliant cuts are most popular and valuable, fancy shapes like marquise, pear, princess, and heart offer unique aesthetics. Each shape has different light performance characteristics.
Diamond Fluorescence
About 25-30% of diamonds emit a faint blue glow under UV light. While usually imperceptible, strong fluorescence can sometimes create a hazy appearance. Fluorescence is graded from nil to strong.
Diamond Certification
Purchasing a certified diamond from a reputable laboratory (such as GIA, HRD, or IGI) ensures quality verification and helps maintain the stone’s value. Certificates detail a diamond’s 4 C’s and other characteristics. Certification is the best way to trace the origin of the diamond and assure its quality.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab Grown diamonds have been on the rise for over the past decade, with the last two years threatening the natural diamond market. While they are produced synthetically in a laboratory, other than the absence of nitrogen, they are chemically identical to natural diamonds. The technology has allowed companies to manufacture in just a few weeks what takes mother nature millions of years to produce. The universal conclusion about lab grown diamonds however, is that they will not retain their value and are a poor investment. But if what’s important to you is the size and impact of the diamond, then lab grown diamonds will give you much more bang for your buck than natural diamonds.
So, which type of diamond is best? Accounting for all of the above along with your budget is what will help you arrive at your conclusion. Now you’ve got your sparkle down to a science.
