How to buy a diamond

Armed with the proper knowledge, you will able to choose the correct diamond for you and your bride.

1. Decide how much you want to spend. Some of the people say the engagement ring equal to your two months' salary. I think it should depend on your budget and ability. You do not want to put all your money to buy a ring and no money to spend for your wedding.
2. Choose the shape of diamond you prefer. Although the round or brilliant cut is the most popular, diamonds come in many cuts, including oval, square or even heart-shaped.
3. Inspect the diamond's Clarity (the degree of transparency). A flawless diamond, free from all inclusions or blemishes, is very rare and expensive. Diamond is usually rated on a clarity scale that grades diamonds from flawless to obvious inclusions. Grades include FL for flawless, VSI for very slightly included and I3 for included.
4. Check the diamond's Color. Although diamond has red, blue or purple color. Pure and colorless diamond is the most popular diamond's color. Letters represent diamond colors with D (colorless, very rare and most desirable) to Z (light yellow or brown and less desirable). The higher purity, the higher price of the diamond.
5. See the diamond's Cut. It is a major factor in making its value. A well-cut diamond reflects and disperses light in beautiful ways - Qualities such as symmetry and depth (not too shallow or too deep). Diamonds are graded according to the cut quality and this grade should carry a great deal of weight in your decision.
6. Determine the weight of the diamond, which is measured in Carats. The greater the carat weight, the more valuable the diamond. Keep in mind that since larger stones are more rare, 1 carat diamond is much more expensive than two ½ carat diamonds.
7. Compare diamonds side by side. No two diamonds are alike, so check all of them carefully for their unique qualities.
8. Ask for the grading report. Your diamond's detailed genealogy. Don't buy a costly stone without one, since it's your guarantee that you're getting what you've paid for. It is recommended that you obtain a certificate from Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It is the largest impartial diamond grading authority in the world, issues a grading report after it examines the diamond and details it specifications.
9. Make your final decision based on which diamonds offers the best combination of the four C's: Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat. Ignore any of these attributes and you jeopardize your chances of getting the best diamond for your money.
10. Buy from the trusted jewelry shop.