For most people, the only time they buy diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to get loose diamonds first and have them set later. You can inspect them for imperfections better, and maybe even get a better deal. However, you need to be careful when buying. It's easy to make mistakes and give too much, or end up with an inferior diamond.
When looking at loose diamonds, you should confirm the diamond's value. You'll want to examine each one for the four C's; carat weight, cut, clarity and color. But keep in mind that each diamond is unique, and it's unlikely for a single diamond to get two separate assessments with identical results. Ultimately, the value of a diamond is subjective, so you shouldn't be too preoccupied looking for it's exact value.
The pinnacle of all diamond cuts is the round brilliant cut. Thanks to the work of Marcel Tolkowsky, the proportions essential to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were established and popularized. Further innovations streamlined Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.
The round brilliant cut is also the perennial favorite cut. By comparison, different fancy cuts become popular in line with the current fads. Since people are interested in sparkle right now, the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond relies on other factors. You can easily get a high value diamond of any cut - or low value, if you are not too careful.
So buy a diamond jewelry gift in the cut you really want. It may be a shape that captures your or your significant other's interest, or one that elicits special memories or feelings within you. If all you want is a huge diamond, and you don't mind flaws, it's easy to get one for cheap. But even if you are buying cheap, you have to scrutinize your purchases to avoid getting gypped.
When it comes time to set your loose diamond, it's safest to have it done by the same people who sold it to you. If you bring it to another jeweler, they won't want to be held liable for any damage the diamond may receive during setting. If the seller won't guarantee their own diamonds, just forget them and look for a seller who does.
For most people, the only time they buy diamonds is to get engagement and wedding rings. The smart way to go about this is to find loose diamonds first and have them set later. The round brilliant cut is the perennial favorite diamond cut. The popularity of fancy cuts are dependent on prevailing trends. However, the quality and value of a diamond is dependent on other factors. So buy a diamond jewelry gift with the cut you prefer.
-Lorraine Jacobs
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