The method is less expensive for internet sellers because of the way distributors distribute and sell diamonds. You’ll also have a broader assortment of well-cut diamonds if you purchase online.

Is buying diamonds online safe? It’s very safe to shop for diamonds online if you study up all of the necessary information ahead of time. Regardless, you must complete your homework.

Not just with regard to online diamond dealers, but also with regard to diamond education in general. Because the more you know about diamonds, the more likely you are to make a solid transaction and, as a result, the safer your online diamond purchase experience will be.

Is It Safe To Buy Diamonds Online?

Some individuals are hesitant to buy diamonds online, but there are a number of respectable merchants who make online rings purchasing a secure option.

Why should you buy online? For one, online stores do not have the same cost as traditional retailers. Whether or not there are consumers, online businesses do not have to pay the overhead costs of lighting, storefront rent, and workers to manage the store.

One of the benefits of shopping online is the vast range. When you go to a store to look at diamonds for an engagement ring, you are generally limited to what the retailer has on hand.

Even if the store is large, it will not contain the hundreds of selections that some websites provide. The benefit is self-evident: there is a diamond for every desire and every budget.

While having a lot of alternatives might be intimidating when looking for a round brilliant diamond, having a lot of options while shopping for exotic shapes is necessary.

Finding the one with the finest sparkle takes some investigation, especially since fancy shapes don’t all earn the same cut grades.

If you’re looking for a more uncommon shape like a marquise or a particularly huge size, brick-and-mortar retailers may not have enough fancy shapes to provide you with a good choice.

Process Of Safely Buying Diamonds Online

• Choose a trustworthy vendor: There’s a reason this is the first step. It will be difficult to obtain a stunning diamond at a reasonable price if you do not choose a trusted dealer.

Shira Diamonds and the Blue Nile are two examples of online diamond retailers with the finest assortment and prices. Look for loose diamonds on their websites, which are all conflict-free.

• Check the Certificate: A lab certificate is necessary since it verifies that the diamond is exactly what the vendor claims. However, not all certifications are created equal. Look for a diamond that has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). These are the world’s two most dependable and constant laboratories.
• Examine the cut: When browsing a vendor’s inventory of loose diamonds, search for diamonds that are outstanding or perfect in the cut. You should also look past these grades. Make sure the depth percentage is less than 62.5 percent and the table percentage is less than 60 percent for round cuts. In general, look for brightness and shine in the diamond.
• Check the color: Most importantly, you want a diamond that seems to be white. Colorless diamonds in the G-I range are often less expensive than diamonds in the D-F range. Look closely at the picture of the diamond to check whether it has any brown or yellow coloring.
• Choose your carat weight: While the size of a diamond’s look is essential to some, we believe that carat should be one of your final considerations. You should start by choosing a well-cut diamond, then double-check that it is white and free of defects and imperfections. Then you may spend the remainder of your money on Carat.
• Buy the right diamond: Finally, once you’ve figured out the best combination of diamond characteristics for you, you’ll probably realize that you still have a few possibilities. So, what’s next? Don’t always choose the cheapest option.

Diamond providers are well-versed in their stock. Diamonds are priced in a specific way for a purpose. There’s a reason why the price appears to be too good to be true. Consider examining features such as fluorescence, measures (length to width ratio), table, depth, polish, and symmetry in addition to the 4 Cs. These elements will assist you.

8 Tips Before Buying Diamonds Online

1. Do Your Research and Know What You Want

Begin by investigating your alternatives, as you would with any major purchase. Learn about the 4Cs and decide which traits are most essential to you in a diamond. Your diamond purchase will be guided by this decision, as well as your budget.

Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting while shopping online. Some websites display diamonds of various carat weights, colors, and clarity. Look for specifics on the 4Cs of the stone you’re buying, not a range, to guarantee you know how much it’s worth.

2. Check For The Certificate and Verify It

Make sure the diamond comes with an impartial grading report, such as one from GIA, that gives you an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s 4Cs. Because the value of a diamond is mainly influenced by its quality, an independent, third-party evaluation of the 4Cs is essential.

If the diamond comes with a GIA report, you may check the details of the report on Report Check, GIA’s secure online database, and even print a replica of the report if one is available. It’s a simple approach to double-check that the product description on the website corresponds to the grading results.

3. Make Sure It Has a Laser Inscription

Check to see if the diamond’s grading report number is laser-inscribed on the girdle for enhanced protection. Before the diamond is offered for sale, it may be inscribed, or it may be requested at the time of purchase.

The inscription might include a personal message or a symbol for identification in addition to the diamond’s unique GIA report number.

The microscopic inscription may be seen with a jeweler’s loupe under 10X magnification, and because it’s documented on the diamond’s GIA report, it’ll assist confirm that the diamond you get matches the report given for it.

4. Know What Style and Setting Fits You

The diamond’s setting might be just as important as the gem itself. It determines the look of your ring more than anything else, and it may affect the diamond shape you choose.

If you want to highlight the diamond, a simple, affordable setting would suffice. You’ll pick a more ornate, more expensive setting if you wish to complement the diamond with other diamonds, jewels, or beautiful metalwork in the ring.

5. Know and Set Your Budget

The most significant aspect of purchasing a diamond is establishing a budget and sticking to it. Diamonds are a mark of dedication, not a measurement of purchasing power.

It’s crucial not to lose sight of this and to never push yourself to spend more than you can comfortably afford.

You never want regret to be a part of your engagement tale, either now or in the future. To choose a budget, conduct preliminary research on the average diamond engagement ring buying price at a high level.

6. Ask A Trusted Jeweler’s Expert Opinion

Consult a trusted jeweler that specializes in assisting customers in getting the perfect diamond. They generally have gem professionals that are excellent at leading consumers through the diamond selection process, identifying and completely discussing diamond possibilities, and providing extensive images and videos of diamonds to aid in the decision.

Make sure their diamond sourcing methodology extends beyond grading to optimize for a diamond that will appear flawless to the naked eye while providing excellent value.

7. Consider Other Options Than Mined Diamonds

There are several alternatives to mined diamonds that may be used for engagement rings. Lab-created diamonds, for example, are becoming increasingly fashionable.

While these diamonds have the same beauty and durability as mined diamonds of comparable grade, they cost around 30% less.

While diamonds are the “traditional” engagement ring stone, colorful gems are typically more durable and incredibly stunning on their own. The most common gemstones are sapphire, ruby, and emerald, although morganite and aquamarine are also excellent ring stones.

8. Check The Payment Method

Each online shop or auction site will state the methods of payment it will take. Most credit card issuers allow remedies if you pay with a credit card and there is a problem with the transaction.

Buying something using a check or cash order limits your possibilities.

There is no magic solution or hidden spot where diamonds of the highest grade and value may be found. Trusting your diamond provider, whether online or in person, is the most important factor in diamond purchasing.

Overall, buying a diamond online will save you money and provide you with a larger option.

If you need assistance locating well-cut diamonds or appraising diamonds, consider collaborating with a trusted jeweler to guide you where the best place to buy diamonds online.

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Shira Diamonds is the only TRUE diamond wholesaler open to the public. We have all types of loose diamonds, diamond studs, and custom diamond engagement rings for sale. Contact us today!

At Shira Diamonds, we use only GIA-graded diamonds for all our diamond jewelry.

We only sell color grade J and above.

For most diamond shapes, G and H diamonds fall in the same near colorless category.
We will go further into the difference between G and H diamond colors to help you make a more informed purchase.

What is Diamond Color?

Difference between g and h color
Diamond color refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds.

The natural color of diamonds is white with a slight tint of yellow. The rarest of all diamonds are the colorless diamonds.

The industry standard for grading color in diamond color is to evaluate a piece of diamond against a master set and assign a letter grade that corresponds to its color.

The letter grades begin with “D”, which is colorless to “Z” which is light yellow.

Interesting facts about diamond colors:

• Diamonds come in almost every color you can imagine.
• Part of diamond valuation is determined by the absence of color.
• Only certified grading professionals should determine a diamond’s color grade.
• Color becomes much harder to detect once it is set in a ring and placed in an environment that contains color.
• Color becomes more important as carat weight increases because the color is easier to perceive in a larger diamond.
• The tone of a ring’s setting can affect the appearance of diamond color.
• A diamond that is not colorless or near-colorless is considered a fancy color diamond.

What is the Color Scale for Diamonds?

The diamond color chart was created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

It indicates how diamonds are graded based on their colors. The main ground for color comparison of diamonds is how much yellow the diamonds hold.

The standard for diamond color is the whiter it is, the better and the more expensive.

The color chart for diamonds includes the following criteria or standard:

• D-F Color Diamonds: Colorless Diamonds, the rarest and highest quality with a pure icy look.
• G-H Color Diamonds and I-J Color Diamonds: Near-colorless diamonds, no discernible color; great value for the quality.
• K Color Diamonds: Budget-friendly pick; pairs beautifully with yellow gold.

The prices of diamonds decline or increase in alphabetical order.
Hence, the D color diamonds are the most expensive. G and H color diamonds are significantly less expensive than a D diamond.

Most, if not all diamond dealers do not sell L-Z Color Grade Diamonds.

What is the Best Color Letter for a Diamond?

A buying tip you should remember from diamond experts is that if you want the best value in what would appear to the naked eye as a colorless diamond, look for G-J diamonds.

Related: The Rarest Diamond Colors

Color is easier to detect in larger diamonds so it is best to opt for G-H in diamonds over 1 carat.

When G-H color diamonds are set in a ring, these diamonds will look just like higher color grade diamonds.

You can make the most of your diamond purchase if you invest in a higher cut instead of a higher color since the cut is the most important factor in a diamond’s brilliance.

The round, princess and other modified brilliant cuts tend to hide color better than other shapes because the diamond would have more facets.

Remember that a lower color diamond with a higher cut grade will have more sparkle and visual appeal than a higher color diamond with a lower cut grade.

G and H Diamond Color Differences

G Color Diamond

G color diamonds are the 4th color letter grade despite it being the 7th letter of the alphabet.

G color is the first grade in the ‘near colorless’ category, just one step away from being ‘colorless’. A G color diamond will face up white.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About the G Diamond Color

When viewed from the top, the diamond’s brilliance will mask body color.

Once the G color diamond is mounted into a white metal ring setting, differentiating it from ‘colorless’ graded diamonds will almost be impossible.

The slight variation in color between G and H which are individual grades next to each other is difficult to discern to the naked eye. It is nearly impossible to see the difference when looking at a lone diamond.

So, if you evaluate a G color diamond alone, it will glisten with icy white fire. The slight warmth of the G diamond is impossible to see because of the masking abilities of the diamond’s scintillation and sparkle.

H Color Diamonds

If you want great value for your money, the H color diamond in the ‘near colorless’ category is your best choice.

It will cost 40% less than a D-color diamond! They appear almost totally colorless when they are viewed with the naked eye.

Under magnification by an expert gemologist, it will show a slight yellow tint.

Like the G color diamond, it can be a tremendous value for your money if you get it in the right cut. It offers an almost identical look to a colorless stone at a significantly lower price.

Differences Between G and H Color Diamond

In the “near-colorless” range, both G and H are the highest color grades.

Selecting a diamond examined the difference between G and H diamond color, and these are the significant differences between the two color grades that would impact your buying decision:

• G color diamonds are very slightly more colorless than H color diamonds
• G color diamonds are on an average $400 to $650 more expensive than H color diamonds

Which to Pick? G or H Color Diamond?

Diamond experts recommend that you should not go beyond the H color if you purchase a diamond.

The difference between G and H color diamonds is not worth the extra price because the color difference is almost impossible to detect with the naked eye.

If you can spend extra on an excellent cut and clean clarity, G and H color diamonds are cost-effective choices that do not sacrifice quality and brilliance. Contact Shira Diamonds today!

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That is why if you are planning to tie the knot during this time, perhaps the time to propose and prepare is now. 

As we all know, wedding preparation takes time and much effort.  

One of the most tedious parts of this phase is choosing the right diamond ring for you and your partner. 

Other than the carat, the primary consideration to think about is what diamond cut best represents your relationship and your partner’s taste or style.

So to help you escape this dilemma, we have created this helpful guide for you in choosing the right diamond cut for that special occasion.

Types of Diamond Cuts

Before learning about some tips on which diamond cut could be the best, knowing more about your options is significant.

If you aren’t aware about the various kinds or types of cuts there are, you will probably think that a diamond can be cut into any shape you want. 

Sadly this is not the case.

Technically, you can cut a diamond stone in any shape you want. But this is not really prescribed. 

There are only a specific number of shapes or cuts that you can do with a diamond stone with the best quality. 

This is only logical to the composition of the precious stone. 

Since diamond is the hardest known substance on Earth, it can be pretty difficult to cut and shape it into something.

So it has been a kind of unwritten rule by the industry to cut the stones to only a few shape options. 

But this should not be a concern because all these shapes we are talking about are equally brilliant.

1. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

RBC is considered to be the most popular and most expensive diamond cut in the world. 

Because of its 58 facets, this cut appears to be very brilliant when compared to some other diamond shapes. 

If you choose this cut, it’s guaranteed to be a great purchase. But of course, it will also depend on its cut quality and the rest of the 4Cs. 

2. Emerald Cut Diamonds

Have you seen the 16-carat engagement ring of Jennifer Lopez? 

That beautiful ring cut is the perfect example of an emerald cut diamond. 

It may not be as brilliant as other cuts due to fewer facets, but the shape and cut quality alone are so elegant.

3. Oval Cut Diamonds

This shape is not only popular with diamond rings, but also to other jewelry of any type of stone. 

It appears to be as classic and brilliant as the round brilliant, but with a modern flair to it. 

Plus, because of its elongated shape, it appears to be bigger than other cuts.

4. Cushion Cut Diamonds

The cushion is a classic cut of a diamond that has never lost its brilliance throughout the decades. 

This will be a great choice if you want sophistication and elegance. 

However, this cut can be more expensive than your average shape.

5. Asscher Cut Diamonds

If you are into art deco style and Old Hollywood, the Asscher is the best diamond cut for you. 

This shape resembles the emerald cut, but appears to have more facets. 

And in terms of shape, most asscher stones look squarish while an emerald looks elongated like a rectangle.

6. Princess Cut Diamonds

Because of its squarish or rectangular shape, the princess diamond cut appears to sparkle so bright as light hits its many facets. 

This cut is also unique in terms of how it shows the color and brilliance of the stone. 

If you look closely, you can notice the distinct color in all its corners.

7. Pear Cut Diamonds

The pear cut is one of the greater choices for a diamond engagement ring because of its uniqueness. 

In terms of appearance, this cut looks like the fruit it was named after. 

This cut will have the best look to a person with short hands or fingers.

8. Marquise Cut Diamonds

Like the oval cut, Marquise cut appears elongated in shape. 

That is why it creates an illusion of having a larger size or bigger carat when compared to other cuts of the same carat weight. 

Its diamond-like shape makes it very sophisticated especially when worn as an engagement ring.

5 Steps on Choosing the Right Diamond Cuts or Shapes

Since you already have an overview of the most common diamond cuts and shapes, following the steps below can help you finally seal the deal.

1. Know the preferred shape and cut of the diamond stone’s recipient. 

There is no harm indirectly asking him or her. If you want it to be a surprise, base it on his or her style and fashion sense.

2. In terms of a diamond cut, you can choose the quality of cut grade of the stone from excellent to poor. 

An excellent cut will give you the most brilliant and fine cut, along with the highest price tag. While a poor cut will only give you a little sparkle. 

An excellent cut diamond includes the specifics of having great proportions (table, width, depth), symmetrical facets, and great polishing. It should be brilliant enough when light hits its surface.

3. Choosing the diamond cut is not the sole step. 

It should be done alongside the color, clarity, and carat weight of the stone. These 4Cs will determine the final price of your purchase.

4. Adjust the 4Cs to meet your budget. 

If you want a cheaper price while not losing your preferred cut quality, you can choose a colored diamond with lower clarity and lighter carat weight.

5. Seek an expert’s opinion.

For an expert opinion from a jewelry store with great options of the different types of different diamond cuts, whether for an engagement ring or wholesale purchase, you may visit or contact Shira Diamonds.

There is no specific diamond cut that we can consider as the best. 

Every shape or cut has its own pros and cons over the other. 

The important thing is, this diamond cut is the one you are choosing for the one you love.

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Much like other valuables such as sterling silver and gold, there are many fakes out there, and you want to ensure that you don’t end up paying the price of a real diamond ring, for example, on a cheap knock-off.

You need to understand how best to tell that what you’re getting is a real diamond stone before you make a purchase.

There are many ways in which you can do this, which we’ll be discussing in this post.

The Price Is Usually a Dead Giveaway

It goes without saying, but you know you’re getting a fake diamond when the price is just too good to be true. A real diamond price doesn’t usually go below $500.

So, if someone advertises “real diamonds for sale” and you see prices of $200, you know it will most likely not be the real thing.

The price of a real diamond is usually much higher than what your regular budget can handle.

If you’re looking for the real deal, you should be ready to spend on it. A real diamond stone costs money, and you shouldn’t cheap out.

Professional Tools

You could also get in touch with an expert and have them test your diamond with their tools.

One of the most important is the loupe — a magnifying glass used for jewelry, gemstones, and diamonds.

With a loupe, professionals can examine imperfections in the diamond. Most real diamonds have certain flaws that show they’re natural.

With a loupe, experts can see these.
There’s also the diamond tester, which gemologists use to determine a diamond’s thermal conductivity.

Since diamonds conduct heat, they immediately disperse heat when they’re warmed. Testers provide the perfect conduction to examine this.

How Can You Tell if a Diamond Is Real With Your Eyes?

In some cases, you can check for authenticity with your very own eyes. To do this, consider the mount and setting for a diamond ring.

If you have a diamond ring, you can examine its setting and mount to know if it’s a real diamond or not.

As explained earlier, a real diamond’s price is usually pretty high. So, you can expect that a real diamond will be set in some high-quality jewelry.

It could be put in silver, white gold, sapphire, yellow gold, or halo setting rings.

To find out if the ring is what was described, look into it and check for markings.

For instance, when you see notes like 18K and 14K, they represent the type of gold used in setting the diamond stone. “Plat” and “PT” are often used to denote platinum.

Then, if you see numbers such as “950” and “900,” they usually represent gold or platinum too.

How Can I Test If a Diamond Is Real at Home?

For those who might not want to pay for a real diamond tester or any other sophisticated tool, there are some simple, home-made solutions available as well:

The Water Test

If you’re at home, you can use the water test to see if you’ve got a real diamond or a fake one.

All you have to do is get a regular drinking glass and fill it with ¾ water. Drop the diamond, pearl, or stone into the glass gently.

If the diamond sinks, then you’ve likely got a real diamond stone on your hands. If it floats at the surface or just underneath, then it’s a fake. Real diamonds come with high density, and water is perhaps the best way to test this weight.

The Fog Test

To conduct the fog test, simply hold the diamond ring or stone between two of your fingers and breathe on it. This requires no more than a puff of air. Since the human breath creates a great deal of heat and moisture, you’ll see some fog forming on the diamond.

Keep an eye on that fog. If it dissipates immediately, you have a real diamond. If the fog stays on for a few seconds, then it’s most likely fake.

Real diamonds have optimal thermal conductivity, so they disperse heat fast.

Heating and Strength Test

A real diamond will be unresponsive when heat is applied to it. So, when you get a diamond, get a drinking glass and put some cold water into it.

Hold the stone and heat it with fire for almost a minute, then drop it into the cold water.

If the stone shatters, it’s not a real diamond stone.

The Light Test

You could also place the diamond under UV light and see the reaction. Diamond gemstones usually emit a blue glow.

Keep in mind that not every real diamond glows, so, if you don’t see anything, don’t conclude that it’s not real.

Since this isn’t a definitive test, you want to have a jeweler or diamond expert examine it with their diamond testers and other equipment.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is essentially a knock-off of real diamonds.

It has the same look and feel, but it’s not a real diamond.

You can tell the difference using any of the test scenarios outlined above.

Alternatively, you can use the electrical conductivity test.

Real diamonds conduct electricity, while fakes like cubic zirconia and moissanite won’t.

You can also use the sparkle test, which involves holding your diamond under a lamp. If the diamond reflects white light, then it’s the real deal.

Cubic zirconia, moissanite, and other fakes will not.

Do Real Diamonds Shine in the Dark?

Diamonds don’t shine in the dark. They’re cut in a way that helps them to maximize light and its qualities, but they don’t actually shine or glow without a primary light source.

To know more about diamonds, contact or visit us at Shira Diamonds.

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A high quality colored diamond can demand a price even higher than a white diamond of a similar grade.

Due to the scarce supply, there is a good chance that these rare diamonds will increase in value over time.

Rare diamonds like red diamonds are unique stunning choices for jewelry.

What Type of Diamonds Are Most Expensive?

Diamonds can appear in all types of colors, but the most desirable one is the red diamond.

One of the most interesting facts about diamonds are their unique features. They are extremely rare, only formed due to impurities, boron, and nitrogen.

These impurities cause a change in its atomic str qucture, allowing it to bend light to reflect red.

They are only produced in three locations: Brazil, Africa, and Australia.

Rare red diamonds are attractive because of the intensity of the color it shines.

Its color can range from dark pink to purplish red.

The rarest and most expensive red diamonds have a distinct hue.

To date, there are only 20 to 30 true red diamonds in existence.

Experts believe that rare red diamonds will double in price over the next few years due to the rarity and increasing demand.

They are worth at least $100,000, with some of the highest quality ones going for millions.

Here are some of the most popular red diamonds:

• Moussaieff Red Diamond: Brazilian farmer Abzetezinho River discovered this 5.11-carat diamond.Jewelers fashioned it into a beautiful triangle brilliant cut. In 2001, the Moussaieff Jewelry company acquired the diamond, paying $8 million. It is the largest red diamond in the world.
• Hancock Red Diamond: Named after the collector Warren Hancock, this red diamond has a distinct purplish-red color.
  It is a 0.95 carat round brilliant cut diamond. Warren paid $13,500 for it, and in 1987, someone bought it for $880,000.
• Rob Red: This pear-shaped red diamond grades VS1 in clarity. It is the purest red diamond to date.
• Supreme Purple Star: A deep purple red diamond that first appeared in 2002 in London.Since then, there has been little information about its whereabouts.Speculation is that this diamond is a 2 to 5 carat round brilliant cut.

Black Diamonds

Black diamonds have been on the market for a very long time, but they didn’t get any attention until the late 20th century.

During this time, engagement rings with unique gemstones became a topic of interest.

How Rare are Black Diamonds?

Black diamonds are a unique option, providing a stark contrast to the usual diamond.

These diamonds come in many forms, and the price can range vastly.

The presence of graphite creates black diamonds.

These diamonds have many inclusions that form the black color. They have only one intensity, fancy black.

Like other diamonds, the 4Cs will determine the price they demand.

You can find treated black diamonds in abundance in the market.

Manufacturers form inclusions in natural diamonds to turn them into a black diamond.

Others are grown in labs, where they simulate conditions that create natural diamonds.

Both these types of black diamonds are a lot more affordable than natural ones.

Natural black diamonds are rare and demand high prices.

However, the saturation of treated and lab-grown black diamonds make it very difficult to find natural black diamonds.

It is important to buy from a reputable seller for assurance.

A loose, certified, 1-carat black diamond can command a price of at least $2,400.

Other Rare Diamond Colors

Blue diamonds are the second rarest color next to red and has always been in contention with rare pink diamonds.

Boron is responsible for creating the color blue.

The hue of a blue diamond can vary, and some have secondary hues like green or violet.

Mines in India, Australia, and South Africa have produced rare blue diamonds.

Pink diamonds are another rare color that has an increasing demand. Many like it because of its vibrant color.

They come from Australia though Russia, Brazil, and Canada have mined some too.

Crafting a pink diamond requires a lot more time, and there are only a few in existence.

The estimation is that mines can acquire only 500 more quality pink diamonds in the future.

The presence of nitrogen forms orange diamonds.

They are often called pumpkin diamonds due to their color similarity.

A pure orange diamond is hard to find and thus can command high prices.

Any secondary color existing within an orange diamond can drop its price.

Buying A Rare Diamond?

For every 100,000 diamonds mined, only a few will have rare colors.

Rare diamonds are unique pieces to add to your collection and will likely increase in value over time.

If you’re planning to buy red diamonds, a certified one is the best choice.

Buy from a reputable seller, and you can even get better prices by choosing the right store.

Contact us now and get the most expensive diamond for you and your partner!

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What Is Diamond Grading?

Jewelers and jewelry professionals like us at Shira Diamonds use a systematic way of evaluating and assessing diamonds’ value and qualities.

A grading system developed in the 1950s by GIA, the world’s first and leading authority on colored stones, pearls, and diamonds, helps diamond professionals and jewelry makers to describe and classify diamonds using four important grade identifiers: carat weight, cut, color, clarity.

The 4 Cs Or Grades Of A Diamond

The 4 Cs of diamonds—clarity, color, cut, and carat weight—describe a finished diamond’s quality. The combination of all 4 Cs determines the value of a piece.

Clarity

The clarity in diamonds means the relative absence of interior features and surface irregularities.

The interior features are called inclusions, while the surface irregularities are called blemishes. Inclusions and blemishes are the clarity characteristics of a diamond.

The blemishes are nicks and scratches on a diamond’s surface, while inclusions are on the stone’s inside. In some cases, inclusions break the surface of the stone.

A flawless-graded diamond does not have visible blemishes or inclusions when examined under a 10-power magnifying glass.

A skilled and experienced grader can describe the clarity grade of a diamond.

Carat Weight

Diamonds are weighed in great precision.

The unit of weight is metric carat or ct. One metric carat is 0.2 of a gram, which is 0.007 of an ounce.

One ounce equals 142 carats. As a reference point, a small paper clip weighs around one carat.

On the other hand, a metric carat is divided into 100 points. One point is 1/100 of a carat. A diamond weighing 0.83 carat means it weighs 83 points, also called an 83-pointer.

The value of large diamonds is higher than the small ones, which is due to the simple fact that large diamonds are rarer. Large diamonds not only cost more, but they also cost more per carat weight.

Note that the word karat is not the same as carat. Karat refers to the purity of gold in an alloy.

Cut

A beautifully cut (crafted) diamond will transmit light and sparkle. It will also display a dazzling face-up appearance.

A skilled craftsman knows how to play around with the three optical effects of light to produce the sparkling appearance of a diamond:

These are some terms jewelers use to describe the characteristics of a diamond’s cut.

• Brightness: the white reflections
• Fire: the flashes of color
• Scintillation: areas of light and dark

The correct contrast between the dark and light areas produces the crisp, sharp appearance of the stone.

While it is common to associate a diamond’s cut with shape, e.g., pear, emerald, or round, a diamond’s cut grade refers to the diamond’s facets’ interaction with light.

Color

A diamond’s color grade has a significant impact on the stone’s value.

Diamond colors range from colorless to light yellow and brown. These are the normal color range, where a colorless diamond is the rarest and, therefore, of higher value.

Diamonds are color-graded in many well-known grading laboratories under controlled conditions. They are compared to brilliant round diamonds called master stones.

What Is A GIA Diamond Grading Report?

To know the quality, characteristic, and value of a loose diamond, the GIA diamond grading report contains the assessment of a diamond’s 4Cs.

Diamonds that come with the GIA diamond grading report have been analyzed, evaluated, and graded according to their color, cut, clarity, and carat weight—the 4Cs.

The report also includes a plotted diagram showing the stone’s clarity characteristics and a graphic illustration of the stone’s proportions.

If the diamond falls under the D-to-Z color range (GIA’s scale, which is the standard for color-grading the stones), a GIA cut grade will be included in the report. Only loose, natural diamonds in the GIA color scale and weighing not less than 0.15 carats have GIA Diamond grading reports.

How To Read A Diamond Grading Report

A diamond grading report is the scientific blueprint of the stone’s precise quality characteristics.

If your diamond has this report, it serves as the certification that your stone is a natural diamond, assessed, and analyzed by its color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

The diamond with the grading report has a laser inscription (a report number) which links the stone to the specific data on the report. You can find this number on the diamond’s girdle, using a simple jeweler’s loupe.

The inscribed number should match the physical grading report or GIA’s online database, complete with the stone’s grading details.

What Is The Best Color And Clarity Grading For A Diamond?

When choosing a diamond worth your money, you must look for one with the best color and clarity.

Based on the Diamond Clarity Grade Chart, flawless (FL) is the highest clarity grade for a diamond. It is rare, and only 2% of the world’s diamonds are graded as flawless.

A flawless diamond does not have imperfections.

Based on the GIA’s color scale, D color, the utterly colorless diamond, is graded the highest. Keep in mind that while flawless and colorless are rare and hard to find, what determines the actual value of a diamond is the cut.

How Do You Read Diamond Quality?

A good understanding of the diamond’s 4Cs will provide you with a reasonable basis for reading a diamond quality.

A diamond with minimal or no imperfections has a higher grade than a stone with visible blemishes and inclusions.

On the other hand, a diamond that displays a sharp, crisp, and sparkling display of lights is graded high based on its cut.

Lastly, a large diamond has a higher value than a small one. In the same token, a diamond that weighs higher has a high-quality grade.

Ask For The Diamond Grading Report

If you visit our store, Shira Diamonds in Dallas, Texas, and plan to buy diamond jewelry, the surest way to confirm its quality is by asking if our diamonds have GIA diamond grading reports.

This document has specific data that is unique to the diamond in the report.

If the diamond you are looking at does not have the grading report, you have no assurance about the stone’s quality.

Our GIA certified gemologists will happily explain what diamond grading is all about.

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