As a first step decide on the type of jewellery that you want, consider the style you prefer, and determine how much you are planning to spend. Rest assured, you won’t need to spend a fortune to find a diamond that’s right for you.

Whilst two diamonds may at first glance look alike, the truth is that they are very different. Although they may be of equal size, they may have very unequal values.

There are four characteristics that will help you when buying a diamond. They are known as the 4 Cs- cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. It is the combination of these four factors that help determine the value of a diamond and we can discuss with you the combination that will best suit your needs.

Cut
People often confuse the cut with the shape of the diamond. The cut refers to the arrangement of the diamond’s facets. It is one of the most important elements of quality and yet it is the aspect you hear least about. When cut to good proportions, a diamond is better able to handle light, creating more fire, brilliance and sparkle. In turn, it commands a higher value. When you are choosing your diamond, just hold it up and make sure you like the way the light dances around it.

Colour
Diamonds come in a range of natural colours from totally colourless white diamonds to black. Diamonds with no trace of colour are extremely rare and the closer they are to no colour the more rare and valuable they will be. Stones are graded by colour and given designations dependant upon how far they deviate from purest white.

Also rare are diamonds with strong pure colour, called fancies, they are valued for their depth of colour, as white diamonds are valued for their lack of colour.

Clarity
Most diamonds contain tiny inclusions that are like nature’s fingerprints, making each diamond unique. Even though they neither mar its beauty, nor endanger its durability, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond. So, the more the diamond will sparkle. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes is particularly rare and therefore very valuable.

Carat Weight
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats and one carat is equal to one-fifth of a gram. The word is derived from the carob seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient times. One carat is divided into 100 points so that a diamond of 0.75carat weight is 75 points. Usually the larger the diamond, the more rare it is. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. It’s important to find a diamond size that suits you and the style of jewellery you’re buying.

Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear bigger (or smaller) than its actual weight. Talk to us about how to find the right diamond and setting to optimise the beauty of the stone.

What Shape Should I Choose?

The shape of diamond you choose is very much a matter of personal taste.

The most traditional shape is the round brilliant. It has 58 facets, or small flat polished planes, designed to yield the maximum amount of light to be reflected back to the viewer. As it is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it potentially has the greatest brilliance of any diamond. Other popular fancy shapes include marquise, emerald, princess, pear, oval and heart.

Confidence in Your Jeweller

Sometimes referred to as the 5th C it is important that you trust and feel comfortable with your jeweller. At Lawrence Sanders our friendly and experienced team will give you all the advice and guidance you require to help make choosing your diamond a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

What to Spend

When you start to think about buying a diamond you naturally want the best you can afford, and a beautiful stone that you will treasure forever.

Diamonds are available in a range of prices and you are certain to find one that suits your taste and what you plan to spend. If you are about to buy a Diamond Engagement Ring you may want to consider spending the commonly accepted guideline of two month’s salary.