| SPRIGG NET |
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| SPRIGG NET |
| How to Buy a Diamong Ring |
| Contents - Summary - Disclaimer - Diamonds - Round (brilliant) Diamonds - Getting Started - Looking at Diamonds - Purchasing a Diamond - Choosing a Ring _____________________________________________________________________________ ( Page 1 of 3) Summary 1. Stay out of the malls. 2. Visit AGS member jewelers. 3. Buy an AGS diamond over the internet. 4. Don't trust anyone! Disclaimer: As any good jeweler will ask, you need to have an idea of what size and shape ring will be preferred by the wearer. This will determine your approach. For example, if a simpler and less cumbersome ring is appropriate (perhaps a diamond weighting less than 1/2 carat in a gold solitaire setting), then it doesn't matter as much how and where you look for a ring. You might want to simply visit some conveniently located stores for the ring with the right look and feel. Diamonds: If you want a larger stone of 0.40 carats or more, then you should decide whether you want a round cut stome or another shape. The distinction is that round diamonds (if properly cut) give the most brilliant sparkly reflections. If you want another shaped diamond, then you should visit a few local jewelers who are member of the AGS (American Gem Society)... they will probably give you a better deal than a national chain for the same size and quality. Round (Brilliant) Diamonds: If you decide for a round diamond, then you should get one with an AGS certificate. The AGS certificate rates four characteristics known as the four "C"s: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. All four of these contribute to price, but the two most important are cut and carats because these determine the visible quality and size. - The AGS is the premier lab for rating diamonds, and provides greater detail and accuracy than the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the European labs. Most of the national chains will have non-AGS certificates... ignore them. Some salespersons will tell you that GIA certifications are as good as AGS... this is FALSE because the GIA does not rate the proportions of the cut or list the crown angle (see "cut" below). - The carat weight represents the "size" of the diamond (1 carat = 1/5 gram). This is the most noticable feature of the diamond, so you really need to consider this feature in your budget. - The cut represents what I call the "noticable quality" of the diamond; it determines how much it will sparkle. The AGS ranks three components of cut: proportion, polish, and symmetry. Each component is rated as ideal (highest rating), excellent, very good, good, etc. To really get a great quality diamond, first make sure the proportions are "ideal", then look for "ideal" polish and "ideal" symmetry. This is the distinction between AGS and GIA. GIA rates the polish and symmetry, but not the proportions. AGS not only rates the proportions, but lists all the lengths and angles in a diagram on the certificate. You want the crown angle to be about 34.7 degrees (give or take a degree). The chain stores in the mall won't go into any detail regarding cut, and will never mention anything such as "crown angle", because their diamonds don't meet these standards and aren't certified. Indeed, many chain-store salespersons won't even know what you're talking about. - The color refers to the yellowness of the diamond; less color is better. The rank goes from D (colorless), to E, F, G (near colorless), H, I, J, etc. With an ideal cut, you can't really notice the yellowness when you look at the diamond from the top, because you only notice the sparkles. You can barely notice the color when you look at the diamond from the side, but people rarely do that, and most settings don't let you really see the side of the diamond, anyway. Each upgrade in color costs about $500 per carat (see prices), which is not worthwhile because it adds little visible quality to the diamond. If you can afford the carat size you want in an ideal cut and still have money left in your budget, then you can worry about getting less color. Otherwise, settle for more yellow in order to afford a bigger stone. If you ask the chain stores in the mall about quality, they will focus on color because they carry poorly-cut stones in a variety of colors. But we know that the more important determinant of quality is cut. - The clarity refers to the amount of inclusions in the diamond, which are little imperfections within the stone. The rank goes from F (flawless), to VVS (very very slight inclusions), VS (very slight inclusions), SI (slight inclusions), I (imperfect). Each of these ratings has 2 sub-divisions (for example, SI-1 has fewer inclusions than SI-2). The key demarcation in the ranking is between SI and I. "SI" or better means that the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, but "I" means that the imperfections are visible. I suggest you get "SI" for two reasons. First, the inclusions for "SI" are not visible without a microscope. Second, each upgrade in clarity costs about $500 per carat (see prices), which is not worthwhile because it does not add to visible quality. If you have extra money in your budget, invest it into a bigger stone or less color. Some chain stores might show you the inclusions under a microscope if you express interest in better quality, but who cares what you can see under a microscope. For a more detailed and objective description of the four "C"s, visit the diamond eduction section of the Marshall Edwards website: www.marshalledwards.com/4cs.html. |
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