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1) Diamonds have price per carat increases at the most popular carat weights
(0.50, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 2.00, etc.) because that is what shoppers request when
they go into a jewelry store. Your dollars can go further buying a diamond that
has a carat weight just under those weights. For example, a diamond that weighs
0.90 carats can be the same millimeter diameter as a diamond weighing 1.00 carat
but cost $1000 less.
2) The price of diamonds is very sensitive to color grade, yet most shoppers
have a difficult time seeing the difference between some of the color grades. If
you buy the lowest color grade that looks beautiful to your eyes, the lower
price per carat allows you to buy a bigger diamond with your dollars. The
highest color grades (D, E, and F) are categorized as "colorless." The next
color grades (G, H, I, and J) are "near colorless" and the source of beautiful
diamonds at much lower prices.
3) A ring with several smaller diamonds is less expensive than a single diamond
with the same total carat weight. For example, three 0.50 carat diamonds will
cost a fraction of what a single diamond weighing 1.50 carats. The same holds
true for a 1.0-carat center stone with 0.25-carat diamonds on each side. If you
want a finger full of diamonds with a limited budget, consider several diamonds
rather than a solitaire.
4) All diamonds have inclusions; the key is what you can see with your eye. Once
a diamond is clean to the eye (VS2 or good SI1 for brilliant cut shapes), higher
clarity grades have no impact on the beauty or appearance of a diamond, they
only add to the expense. Get the lowest clarity grade you are comfortable with
and save a lot of money will no sacrifice in beauty.
5) The shape of the diamond can affect the millimeter size. Of course, you
should always get the diamond shape you like best but some shapes do look larger
than other shapes. Ovals, marquises and pear shaped diamonds generally look
larger than round or square diamonds with the same carat weight.
6) Even diamonds with the same shape and carat weight can be different sizes.
The cut of the diamond can influence the millimeter size. Shallower diamonds
tend to be bigger in length and width than deeper diamonds. It is similar to two
men each weighing 200 pounds, where the smaller waistline probably results in a
taller man.
7) The type of setting you select to hold your diamond can influence the
diamond's perceived size as well as affect the dollars you have to spend on the
diamond. White gold settings cost about one-third of platinum settings, leaving
more money for your diamond. Bezel set diamonds or diamonds with pave around the
center stone can make the diamond appear bigger.
8) Perhaps the most important factor in getting the biggest diamond for your
dollars is where you purchase. The retail markup on diamonds can range from well
under 10% with online retailers to over 200% at high-end jewelry stores. Finding
a retailer with very low overhead and low prices will ensure more of your
dollars go for your diamond. Why spend your money for polished marble floors,
fancy display cabinets, and elaborate store interiors, all things you cannot
wear out of the store?
In the end, you want to go with the diamond that excites you and makes you happy
every time you wear it. That is the best indicator that you have made the right
decision and have the best diamond for you.
About the Author: NoneDenny Reinke is the Vice-President of
Diamond Source of Virginia, an online diamond retailer specializing in loose
diamonds, diamond rings and diamond jewelry located in Richmond, Virginia and on
the web at
www.DiamondSourceVA.com You can also
visit Denny's blog at
www.diamonds.blogs.com
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