Understand Diamond Clarity Before You Buy Diamonds
Date: Thursday April 24, 2008Posted in: Shopping
If you’re in the market for diamond jewelry, you need to understand diamond clarity. It’s a factor that strongly influences the price you’ll pay and is one of the measurements used to determine quality.
Does Your Diamond Make The Grade?
Diamond clarity is expressed in grades and having some knowledge about the various levels makes it more likely you’ll get a great deal. At the top of the list is the flawless diamond. This includes perfect diamonds that are extremely expensive. If you’re just shopping for some nice diamond earrings or even an engagement ring, you’ll probably find this class out of your price range. These are truly precious and rare gems.
Excellent quality diamonds come next in the list and are referred to as very, very slightly included. The diamonds in this group have marginal flaws that are completely invisible to the naked eye, and typically are not perceptible under 10x or higher magnification.
The very slightly included grade comes next in diamond clarity, and diamonds falling in this grade have only very slight flaws that can be seen under 10x magnification, and only sometimes by the naked eye. Even with such flaws, these diamonds are exquisite and offer significant value.
Next in the clarity grade is slightly included which represents a diminished quality. Flaws can be seen without assistance but the stones are still quite beautiful. For those on a budget, this grade can be a good buy.
Lastly, all other diamonds are lumped together in the final category. These diamonds have visible defects and are not used in fine jewelry. But, be aware that there are diamond shops that will sell them so keep your eyes open and avoid purchasing them. They are not recommended as a good value for your money.
Diamonds On A Budget
If you’re unable to buy the top of the line grade, put some thought into the cut or setting you’ll choose. A great cut or even a colored diamond will tend to camouflage any existing flaws so they’re not so noticeable.
Colored diamonds not only add interest but they also make it difficult to find the flaws in a stone. Of course if you must get white diamonds, you’ll want to get the best quality you can afford in order to have the best look. Whatever you choose, simply taking the steps to learn about the components of quality jewelry will make it easier to make good buying decisions.
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