What to look for in buying a diamond

[stblindtiger]

I''m a little bit confused about what to look for in buying a diamond. I know about the 4 c''s and all that. but what I''m having trouble with is prioritizing what to look for. I found a diamond that I thought looked good but it''s proportions aren''t perfect. The color, and clarity are nice, and the carat is what I''m looking for however it is a little bit "deep," meaning the depth is a bit high 64.1. So if I need to sacrifice some things what is better to sacrifice?

In other words, would a diamond that does not have the best cut but has high color and clarity look better than a diamond that has an ideal cut but worse color and clarity?

 

[dimonbob]

The most important thing to look for if you want your diamond to "look good" will be the cut. I think the next thing to "look" for is to make sure it is eye clean. If someone wants a big diamond and does not care what it looks like then the important thing is size which means not a diamond that is deep in any way.
I hope this helps.

 

[Arlington]

In my shopping experience, which lasted many months, I found the two most important factors to be Cut and Carat Weight, in that order. When you purchase a deep stone, not only is it less beautiful in terms of light return, but you are paying for useless carat weight. Because it is deeper than ideal, it will appear smaller to the eyen than an ideal stone of the same carat weight.

 

[pricescope]

Stblindtiger, you may also want to check this page of Garry (Cut Nut) tutorial: What to buy

 

[JC]

I would say that the most important aspect of any diamond is "CUT". You may also want to try and stay with a certain color and clarity in order to ensure that the diamond is white in appearance and also eye-clean. Go to www.gemappraisers.com. That will be a very informative and helpful website to get you on your way to finding the diamond of your choice.

 

[canadiangrrl]

Hi James,

I have to "ditto" the previous posters here and say that "cut" should be of paramount importance. However...if you like the stone you've found, and it makes you happy, that's important, too. It's just that there are so many other diamonds out there that can and will blow this one away, because their proportions are so much nicer...because of the cut.

You might want to see some well cut stones in person before you make your decision. This will help you visualize what everyone's telling you - cut is really critical.

I would also add that the fifth C, cost, is also important. I would advise anyone looking to buy a diamond not to go into serious debt. So - buy what you like - buy what you can afford.

 

[stblindtiger]

Thank you all so much for your help. I actually had a financing application submited for that diamond and I decided today, not to go through with it. I was nervous about dealing with that guy so I didn't want to go through with it if I had any doubts about it. I had a bad experience in the past with a car that I fell in love with but had some doubts about the seller and went through with the sale anyway, and in the end you all all know what happened... I got burned

So I've learned my lesson and I'm going to be more careful with any more major purchases that I make.

I went looking again today and I think I may have found a better diamond, but I have to go back in a few days to see it in person. I'll keep you all informed! Thank you so much for all your help!

 

[canadiangrrl]

Sounds like you made a wise choice, James.

Keep us posted on the new stone, and best of luck in your continued search!

 

[magna2]

James,

Continue to look. There are many diamonds in your price range that are of better quality than the one that was shown to you. Best wishes.