How to choose a diamond?

How to buy the best diamond at the best price: A step-by-step guide to learning about diamonds

There's a lot more to buying a diamond than being in love. It's an important investment and an equally important decision! So, before you decide, you should do the research just as you would before buying stock, or real estate, or even a T.V. for that matter.

Learning about diamonds - and how to buy them - doesn't cost you anything. But if you don't do your homework before you buy one, it could cost you a lot. Your goal should be to approach the diamond counter as a knowledgeable consumer. That way, not only will you make an informed, competent and rational purchase, but the diamond will thrill the woman in your life with its brilliance and beauty. 

The 4Cs help to determine both the value and the beauty of a diamond. Obviously, the more beautiful a diamond is, the more valuable it becomes. But what makes a diamond beautiful?

• Carat
• Cut
• Colour
• Clarity

These are the 4Cs. A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. The cut is considered the most important characteristic of a diamond, because a well proportioned stone, regardless of it shape, offers the greatest fire, sparkle, and brilliance. colour is the natural body colour visible in a diamond, and the single characteristic determined by nature alone. Clarity is an indication of a diamond's purity. How are the 4Cs determined?

Step two in learning about diamonds: Understanding diamond certification

As a rule, every diamond sold by a reputable jeweler has been examined and graded according the 4Cs. The rating gives you a scientific means for comparing the price of one diamond against another. A larger diamond – one with greater carat weight – may be lower in price than a smaller one because its cut, clarity and colour are not as special. All 4Cs must be taken into account to determine the value. But how do you find out the grading for each diamond? Another C word: Certification

Diamond certificates are issued by independent gemological laboratories. Certification serves as written proof of a diamond's attributes and a basis for determining the value of diamonds with similar attributes. Certification gives you the power to purchase a diamond with the characteristics you want at a fair market price.

But be careful. Certification is just one part of determining a diamond's value.

What does diamond certification really mean when you're buying a diamond?

Step three in learning about diamonds: Developing an eye for beauty and brilliance

Several factors contribute to a diamond's beauty – or the appearance of beauty in the eye of the beholder. Some women consider certain shapes more desirable than others, perhaps finding round diamonds more beautiful than pear-shaped. How a diamond is set is another matter of personal taste that affects your impression of a diamond's beauty.

But the most critical aspect of the inherent beauty of a diamond is its brilliance. Brilliance is also called "fire" and "sparkle." It is the element that brings the diamond to life, catches your eye from afar and reflects lights as it moves on a woman's hand. Brilliance is the magical factor!

And brilliance can be scientifically determined in terms of Return of Light. The first diamond ever to be independently measured and certified for its superior fire, sparkle and brilliance is The Leo Diamond, a handcrafted diamond by Leo Schachter. The Leo Diamond comes with an additional certification from GemEx Systems verifying the level of Return of Light. Learn more about how a diamond's beauty is determined.

Step four in learning about diamonds: Building confidence in the diamond buying process

If you understand the 4Cs, have learned all about certification, are poised to look for fire, sparkle and brilliance in a diamond, and feel comfortable you've chosen a reputable jeweler, then you should have confidence in your ability to make a wise and responsible choice.

However, there is one more confidence-building factor you may want to consider – buying a brand name diamond.What's the difference between branded and unbranded diamonds? While most diamonds are unbranded, branded diamonds like The Leo Diamond, by Leo Schachter are becoming increasingly available and assure you of consistent quality and craftsmanship. Jewelers who carry The Leo Diamond have been authorized to do so by Leo Schachter because they meet high standards for quality, service and customer satisfaction.