5 Rules To Follow When Buying Loose Diamonds

Why buy loose diamonds? For one, loose diamonds are easier to inspect than preset stones, since the setting can often disguise imperfections in the diamond. Also, many people who choose to buy loose diamonds love that they have the power to create a unique and custom setting on their own, instead of purchasing a preset piece from a jewelry store. Whatever your reasoning is, before you buy loose diamonds as an investment or for your own jewelry, follow these rules:

Rule #1 - Understand Certifications

Before you buy loose diamonds, one of the most important things to understand is diamond certification. When a diamond is certified, it means it has gone through the process of being evaluated by a third party gemological laboratory. This scientific examination provides a certificate with impartial information about the quality and characteristics of that particular diamond, giving the buyer proof that the diamond is as the seller claims. These trusty certifications allow loose diamonds to retain their value longer than preset stones sold without certification. However, not every laboratory is as reliable as the rest! When you buy loose diamonds, choose from one of the top five most trusted laboratories: GIA, AGS, EGL, IGI and HRD.

Rule #2 - Make Decisions

With any diamond purchase, but especially when you choose to buy loose diamonds, it’s important to think about the quality and size that you want. Many people mistakenly believe that buying a bigger diamond is always better, but that’s not always the case. The bigger a diamond gets, the more rare it is to find a top quality stone, so be sure to pay attention to both of these characteristics when choosing to buy loose diamonds. Decide which factor is more important to you before making your purchase. In order to stay within your budget, would you rather have a higher quality but smaller diamond, or have a lower quality diamond in a bigger size?

Rule #3 - Time Management

Is this diamond a gift or going to be used to pop the question in the near future? When you buy loose diamonds, remember to factor in the time it will take not only to find and purchase the loose diamond, but also to place it in a setting. To save time, try to buy a loose diamond and then choose a setting all in one place to speed up the process. This way, you’ll get all of the benefits of buying a loose diamond while still getting the fastest possible delivery.

Rule #4 - Understand the 4Cs

Before buying a loose diamond, be sure to research the 4 C’s of diamonds to get a better understanding of how diamonds are valued. Color refers to the diamond’s appearance and ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). More color in a diamond can impede the “fire” of the diamond, or the prismatic effect of flashing colors as light passes through the stone. Another “C” is clarity, which describes the tiny imperfections, known as inclusions, that every diamond has. The fewer of these clarity characteristics a diamond has, the higher quality it is. The third “C”, carat, represents the weight of the diamond, with 1 carat equaling around 0.2 grams or 0.007 ounces. Finally, the cut of a diamond determines its shape, symmetry, and light reflection. Before buying a loose diamond, be sure to prioritize which of these C’s are the most important to you, so you know where to make concessions in order to stay on budget.

Rule #5 - When to Talk to a Consultant

Choosing to buy loose diamonds can be a big decision and investment, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a consultant who is an expert in the field to ask questions. If you feel you don’t have a grasp on understanding the 4 C’s, or you’d like to get a second opinion on which cut or style to go for to get the best diamond within your budget, call, live chat or meet with a consultant to get more information and feel confident with your decision.

Overall, buying a loose diamond can be a rewarding and memorable experience, no matter the occasion. Follow these rules and you’ll be well on your way to purchasing a beautiful, sparkling loose diamond.