| If you want to buy the best diamond that will fit | | | | affects how light is refracted and reflected which |
| your budget, then there are basically four things that | | | | makes a stone sparkle. There are many cuts available |
| you should consider when selecting a diamond. Carat | | | | in stones, but if you're looking for the best cut, look |
| weight, cut, clarity and cut are the four C's to check | | | | for an 'ideal cut.' |
| out when it comes to analyzing whether or not a | | | | Clarity - This always describes the imperfections |
| diamond is of high quality. Of course as is the case | | | | found in any particular stone. The fewer |
| with any product, the more you have to spend the | | | | imperfections and blemishes, the higher quality the |
| higher quality you will get. But if you know your C's | | | | jewel. The price also climbs higher as imperfections |
| and compare retailers, you can still purchase a good | | | | are fewer. |
| diamond for even a relatively modest budget. Here's | | | | Color - Interestingly, diamonds are graded on having |
| what to look for when searching for a diamond. | | | | little to no color as the best stones. An almost clear |
| Carat Weight - Carat is the term used to define the | | | | stone is considered the very best quality while other |
| weight of a diamond. Carat can refer to a single | | | | grades such as near colorless and faint color start the |
| stone weight or a total diamond weight when a piece | | | | decent into less quality. An obviously colored stone is |
| of jewelry has more than one stone in a setting. A | | | | of much less value than a colorless. Be sure to check |
| carat is in direct relation to millimeters in the jewel | | | | a jewel's color when you are seriously considering a |
| business and can be more understandable in those | | | | particular stone. |
| terms. For example, a.25 carat diamond is equivalent | | | | While it may seem easy to choose a stone that is |
| to 3.4mm in size and so on. Since there are many | | | | beautiful, it is often difficult to determine the several |
| variations in the shape of a stone, the size will vary. | | | | important elements that make up a good stone |
| Always ask your jewel retailer to explain the weight | | | | without the help of a reputable jeweler or |
| of a stone in which you are interested. | | | | gemologist. When you are searching for the right |
| Cut - The appearance of a diamond is displayed | | | | jewel, be sure to ask plenty of questions before you |
| through the shape in which the stone is cut. The cut | | | | choose the best diamond for your money. |