Petro's Jewelers Diamond Buying Guide
Designed with you, the consumer, in mind. We have attempted to provide clear answers and tips to help you buy your diamond.
Carat
While Karat (with a K) pertains to the pure gold content of the mounting of your ring, CARAT (with a C) refers to the size of your diamond and is the measure of its weight. A carat is divided into 100 "points".
| CARAT | 1/5 | 1/4 | 1/3 | 1/2 | 3/4 | 1CT | 2CT |
| POINTS | .20 | .25 | .33 | .50 | .75 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
But size and weight alone do not determine the value of a diamond. For instance, it is very possible for a smaller diamond to be worth more than a larger one. The other three C's must be considered in arriving at the cost of a diamond.
Color
All diamonds are graded on a scale that ranges from colorless through yellowish. Although increasing shades of yellow decrease the value of a diamond, they do not necessarily decrease its beauty.
Color and Clarity diagrams courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America.
Cut
The "Brilliance" in a diamond is one of its most admired qualities. The more fire it has, the more "Life" it has. Light rays bouncing and reflecting on, in and out, from facets of a diamond create "Life" and "Brilliance". The angles of reflection are all important, as shown below:
* Arrows on the diagram simulate the flow of light in the diamond.
Properly Cut
Light* entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top ONLY, creating maximum brilliance.
Too Deep
When a diamond is cut too deep, light* leaks out of the bottom and brilliance is lost.
Too Shallow
When a diamond is cut too shallow, light* leaks out of the bottom and brilliance is lost.
Clarity
Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity grade and affect its cost.
fl-if
No inclusions visible (by an expert) under 10x magnification. (FL = Flawless, IF - Internally Flawless)
vvs1-vvs2
Minute - extremely difficult to find under 10x. (VVS = Very, very slight inclusions)
vs1-vs2
Minor - difficult to find under 10x. (VS = Very slight inclusions)
si1-si2
Noticeable, relatively easy to find under 10x. (SI = Small inclusions)
i1-i2
Obvious under 10x - just visible to the naked eye. (I = imperfect)
Petro's Jewelers Diamond Buying Tips
The following are some of the questions that we at Petro's Jewelers have been asked over the past 37 years in the business. As diamond salesmen, diamond setters and diamond buyers, we feel that the following questions and answers should help you in your purchase of a diamond.
Q: What is the best kind of diamond to buy?
A: The best kind of diamond to buy is one that will not stretch your budget. One that will be as beautiful as the day you bought it.
Q: Which is the most important of the 4 C's to consider when buying a diamond?
A: The most important of the 4C's to consider is how well the diamond is cut. A diamond gets its brilliance and sparkle from how well it is cut. (See our diamond buying guide page for more details.)
Q: What kind of clarity should I buy?
A: From the flawless clarity to the slightly included two (SI2), which is an 8 grade spread, you would need a microscope to see any flaws or inclusions. My advice to you would be to stay in the SI1 or SI2 grade. You will not see any inclusions with your naked eye. Why throw away money on a higher clarity grade when you will need a microscope to see the flaws. Instead, consider going for a better color and a bigger diamond.
Q: What about other clarities?
A: There is one other clarity grade that I would consider buying. This would be the first imperfect grade I1. In an I1 diamond you can get some great buys and you may or may not be able to see inclusions with your naked eye. With an I1 clarity, you can get a bigger diamond and a better color for your money.
Q: What color grade is the best?
A: The color D is the highest possible grade you can buy but we sell color grades from D to M. There again, look at the different colors of diamond and see if you can tell the difference in colors and then in the price. I always tell people, if you can't see the difference then don't spend the extra money.
Q: What does it mean when someone says a diamond is 50 points of half carat.
A: The easiest way to think of this is to think of it in terms of ounces to a pound. It takes 16 ounces to equal a pound as it takes 100 points to equal a full carat. So, 50 points would be half a carat.