Diamond buying guide
Your Path to Brilliance
All you need to know about
Buying a Diamond
Whether you're purchasing your first diamond or looking to upgrade your collection, this guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect diamond. From understanding the 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight) to choosing the right shape and setting, we’ll provide expert tips and insights to help you make an informed decision. Let's get started!
1.
Understanding the 4 Cs
Familiarize yourself with the 4 Cs of diamond grading: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Each of these factors influence a diamond's appearance and value.
Cut
Diamond Cut refers to how well a diamond is shaped and polished to maximize its brilliance and sparkle.
Color
Diamond Color ranges from colorless to yellow or brown. The less color, the higher the grade.
Clarity
Diamond Clarity measures the presence of internal and external flaws. The clearer the diamond, the higher the grade.
Carat Weight
Carat refers to how much the diamond weighs. Generally, the bigger the carat weight, the higher the value.
2.
Establish Your Budget
Determine your budget before beginning your search. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you find a diamond that fits your financial constraints.
3.
Prioritize Cut Quality
The cut grade of a diamond has a profound impact on its brilliance and sparkle. Diamond cut grades range from "Poor" to "Excellent" (or "Ideal").
At Created Forever, we are committed to quality and exclusively offer diamonds graded "Very Good" or higher, ensuring exceptional brilliance and craftsmanship.
Discover more about diamond cut and why it’s considered the most important of the 4Cs:
4.
Consider Color:
The most valuable white diamonds are truly colorless, while others may have subtle hints of yellow or brown. Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light color).
At Created Forever, we only offer created diamonds that are considered colorless or near colorless (range D-I). This means our cultured diamonds have no color trace that is visible to the naked eye.
Learn more about diamond color and why it is so important to understand when choosing your diamond:
5.
Understand Diamond Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of internal flaws (inclusions) and surface blemishes in a diamond. Created Forever lab-grown diamonds are mostly rated VS1 / VS2, meaning they have very few flaws that are not visible to the naked eye. Learn more about our clarity rating, what it means, and why it offers you excellent quality at best value:
6.
Select an Appropriate Carat Weight:
Carat is a unit of weight used to measure diamonds, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Together with the other 4C's it determines the size and value of a diamond. Read more about Diamond Carat and pick the right diamond weight for you:
7.
Explore Different Diamond Shapes
Diamonds come in various shapes, including round, princess, cushion, and emerald, among others. Choose a shape that reflects your personal style and preferences.
Asscher
Round
Marquise
Emerald
Princess
Oval
Heart
Cushion
PEAR
8.
Verify Diamond Certification
Ensure the diamond you purchase comes with a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). This certification provides important details about the diamond's quality and authenticity.
9.
Consider Ethical and Sustainable Options
Explore lab-grown diamonds as an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty and brilliance as natural diamonds while minimizing environmental impact.
10.
Shop with Trusted Retailers
Purchase your diamond from reputable and trusted retailers known for their quality, selection, and customer service. Research customer reviews and ratings to ensure a positive buying experience.
