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Tradeoffs: Is Bigger always Better?
Primary Considerations
In the North
American marketplace, when most people think of purchasing diamonds,
size or Carat Weight is usually what they think of first. In general,
Carat Weight is a personal choice and many times, larger carat weights
are not only impractical for the intended recipient there down right
pricey. The true element to a perfect proposal is understanding your
future partner's likes and dislikes in accordance to style, shape,
and quality. Unfortunately once you enter most Jewellery stores, more
often than not numerous diamonds of various shapes, clarities, cuts
and carat weight bombard you. For a novice purchaser this can be a
very intimidating experience. Our advice to you is to not make any
decisions based on impulse. Remember, your relationship probably was
built in a day so why should your diamond purchase be selected that
way. Most Jewellers are willing to sit down and explain the basics
of diamonds and form well informed suggestions as to your individualized
needs. Any jeweller who is more anxious to sell you without first
listening than explaining possible options is probably not going to
service you well after the sale ither. As a consumer you have the
right to make an informed decision regardless of whatever any sales
representative promises you. If at all possible include your significant
other into the purchase to ensure you're on the right track with issues
such as size, colour, clarity, and cut. Lets explore these issues
in greater depth.
How may I help you?
Of the four distinguishing elements a diamond is graded on (Carat Weight,
Clarity, Colour, Cut) which is the most important? The answer is
no one single element outweighs the other, they all must work in unison
to form the right balance. The average North American consumer purchases
a diamond of G-H colour, VS-SI clarity, and from there adjust carat
weight in accordance to their budget. While this range of diamond is
of stunning brilliance, perhaps a better means of planning could eliminate
much of the constant sea-sawing that occurs when your budget is nearly
depleted thus forcing you to make instantaneous decisions.
First let's look at the issue of size (carat weight). Does your
partner want a 2.00 carat diamond or are you just independently wealthy.
Consider if you will your partners hand and visualize how the diamond:
- Will be mounted above the band or inset within the band?
- Will it be a solitaire or be adorned with side stones?
- What width the banding will be to support all the diamonds?
- How long, thin, or plump her fingers are?
- What look best suits her: Traditional, Contemporary or otherwise?
- What is your budget?
- Do you want exceptional size or a moderate size of exceptional
quality?
These factors all play a pivotal role in determining the true size of diamond
you should purchase.
Secondly, when reviewing clarity it is important to note that while
Flawless to VVS diamonds are at the upper echelon of the diamond hierarchy,
they're not always visible to the naked eye. As a matter of fact, all
elements being equal, an SI 2 diamond could very well be mistaken for
a VS1 diamond because it is only under 10x magnification or microscope,
the two diamonds may be told apart by inclusionary markings. Now bare
in mind this example does not make any mention of relative value and
is only meant to highlight the need for clear and concise consideration
when comparing different diamond clarities. You may feel the direct
need to ascend in clarity but be forewarned that there are drastic premiums
as you get closer to the IF, F categories.
Thirdly, one needs to be concerned with the element of colour. Unlike
clarity, colour, is a characteristic, which may be seen by the naked
eye. An elphabetacal scale commencing with the letter D and continuing
through to the letter Z measures colour. The colour is prized for its'
absence of colour, a truly white diamond, while as you progress along
the scale the natural elements of time, pressure and trapped gasses
lower the value of a diamond and change its' pigment from white to progressively
deeper tones of yellow. The purer the diamond colour the greater its'
brilliance. Note a properly polished and symmetrical diamond is also
responsible for a diamonds fire and brilliance. A debate still rages
on as to the true importance of colour and we at Epic Jewels are proud
to say we do not recommend nor sell diamonds below the I colour spectrum.
Below this spectrum, the naked eye will catch the faint to deep yellow
tones in the diamond. The overall question that begs to be answered
is: why would someone wish to purchase a diamond of top colour? Well,
the two major reasons are for its' rarity and its artistic nature. If
you are in the market to make a lasting impression an elevated colour
spectrum is definitely one means of accomplishing it.
Lastly, the nature of a diamonds cut is of great importance. Cut refers
to the skill and craftsmanship of a diamond cutters ability to bring
out the best features of your diamond. State of the art equipment combined
with years of applied knowledge allows a cutter to cut, shape and polish
a diamond for maximum fire. If all a diamonds facets are proportioned
correctly, a superior coloured diamond of respectable clarity will sparkle
when caught by light. The cut of a diamond is graded by a series of
technical levels and is an extremely important element to a lasting
token of love. Cuts range from Ideal, being the best, to poor, obviously
the worst. We would seriously suggest not descending below a good cut
due to the severity of lost quality and brilliance. When comparing an
Ideal cut diamond along side a Fair or Poor cut diamond, one does not
need to be an expert to detect the obvious differences. Many people
favor so-called "Ideal cut" stones. These are beautiful stones, but
it's ultimately a question of taste. Ideal cuts typically have more
fire, but less brilliance, than the best non-Ideal stones. Cut may also
make up for lowered clarity and colour.
The true testament to what a diamond should be is inevitably an individual
taste. As Fine Jewellers we respect individualized tastes and strive
to provide a balance of all elements to make your diamond purchase a
truly memorable and satisfying one. As a last piece of friendly advice,
feel free to contact us at any time for an unbiased opinion of your
personal jewellery needs.
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