First Time Buyers Guide to Diamonds from Southside Jewelry and Loan

First Time Buyers Guide to Diamonds from Southside Jewelry and Loan

Today diamondjewelrystlouis.com, leading Pawn Shop in Jewelry Sales in St Louis, presents a comprehensive first-timers diamond buying guide. In this guide, we will attempt to explain the key points to consider when investing in your first diamond.

Let Us Begin!

Diamonds are categorized and evaluated according to the following criteria: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. In other words, the most defining characteristics of a diamond are its shape, color, purity, and weight.

Diamond Shape

The cut, or size, of the diamond, refers to the shape that it acquires after it has been cut and polished. Remember that diamonds are rough stones made out of pure crystallized carbon and extracted from mines around the world, the biggest of which are located in Russia.

Diamonds begin to acquire value the moment they are “cut” to enhance their natural luminosity. Each cut provides the diamond with a unique set of symmetrical angles and facets that provide it with brilliance and

The most common diamond cuts are:

• Princess
• Square Cushion
• Radiant
• Marquise
• Trillion
• Calf
• Heart

And each cut can be grade Ideal, Very Good, Good, or Poor depending on the quality of the cuts.

Diamond Color

After the cut, color is perhaps the most defining feature to consider when purchasing a diamond. A diamond will be increasingly more valuable the less color, or tint, that can be perceived within it.

For example, yellow tones in the stone render it dramatically less valuable than a bright, crystalline piece.

The scale used to classify color gradation in diamonds is:

• D, E, and F grades are used for totally colorless stones.
• G, H, I, and J grades are used for nearly colorless stones.
• K, L, and M grades are given to stones in which a faint color can be perceived.
• N through R grades refer to stones with a very light color.
• S through Z grades are given to stones that possess a light color.

The best value is found in Diamonds that are G through J grade. It is also important to note that all diamonds on the D-Z scale are considered white. Truly colored diamonds, such as those that possess a pink or blue hue, are graded on a different scale.

Diamond Purity

Diamond purity refers to imperfections and inclusions that line the outside or inside of a diamond. Defects along the surface of most diamonds are undetectable to the naked eye and typically require high magnification to observe.

The fewer imperfections that mar the purity of a diamond, the higher the grading it acquires on the clarity scale.

The clarity scale defines the relative difficulty of detecting flaws in purity.

The scale is divided into the following grades:

• FL is given to flawless diamonds.
• IF is given to diamonds that are flawless internally.
• VVS1 and VVS2 are given to diamonds that are very, very slightly included.
• VS1 and VS2 are reserved for diamonds that are only very slightly included.
• SI1 and SI2 are given to diamonds that are slightly included.
• I1, I2, and I3 are given to diamonds whose transparency and brilliance are reduced by inclusions evident to the naked eye.

• Exploring the world of diamonds for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. At Southside Jewelry and Loan, we understand the significance of this journey and are here to guide you through it. Our comprehensive first-time buyer’s guide to diamonds is designed to demystify the process, helping you make informed decisions with confidence. With a rich history in the diamond industry, Southside Jewelry and Loan provides expert insights and practical tips to assist you in selecting the perfect diamond that suits your preferences and budget. Let us navigate this enchanting world of diamonds together, ensuring your experience is not only memorable but also rewarding.

  Key Takeaways

  • Set a clear budget before diamond shopping to avoid overspending and ensure a financially sound purchase.

  • Understand the different diamond shapes available and choose one that best suits your style and preference.

  • Prioritize authenticity assurance by verifying certifications and reputable sources when buying diamonds.

  • Safeguard your investment by considering insurance options and proper storage to protect the value of your diamond.

  • Select a diamond that aligns with your personal style and preferences to ensure long-term satisfaction with your purchase.

  • Make confident diamond purchases by educating yourself on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) and asking questions about the diamond’s origin and characteristics.

  Budgeting Basics

  Importance

  Setting a budget before purchasing a diamond is crucial. It ensures you don’t overspend and helps narrow down options. Knowing the 4 C’s—cut, clarity, color, and carat—is essential for making an informed decision. These factors determine a diamond’s quality and value.

  Seeking guidance from experts at Southside Jewelry and Loan is vital. Their expertise can help you navigate the complexities of diamond buying. They provide valuable insights to ensure you make a well-informed purchase decision.

  Setting Wisely

  When determining your budget, consider your financial situation carefully. It’s important to set a realistic budget that aligns with your needs and preferences. Southside Jewelry and Loan offers competitive payment plans to help manage your diamond purchase effectively.

  The quality of a diamond’s cut significantly impacts its sparkle. Opting for a well-cut diamond can enhance its brilliance and overall appearance. Understanding this aspect can guide you in choosing the perfect diamond within your budget constraints.

  Staying Within

  Staying within your budget leads to a more satisfying diamond buying experience. By sticking to your financial limits, you ensure a stress-free purchase process without compromising on quality or style. The 4 C’s play a crucial role in helping you stay within budget by prioritizing the aspects that matter most to you.

  thside Jewelry and Loan assists customers in staying within their budget through expert guidance. Their team can recommend options that meet both your preferences and financial restrictions. With their support, you can confidently select a stunning diamond without exceeding your predetermined spending limits.

  Diamond Shapes

  Choosing Right

  Style Preferences

  • Explore different diamond shapes and styles to find the one that resonates with your preferences.

  • Understand the importance of selecting a diamond shape aligning with your personal style.

  • Discover how your style preferences can influence your diamond buying decision.

  Popular Shapes

  • Explore popular diamond shapes like princess, emerald, oval, and marquise.

  • Understand the unique characteristics and appeal of each popular diamond shape.

  • Learn how popular diamond shapes cater to different style preferences.

  Shape Impact

  • Understand how the shape of a diamond can impact its overall appearance and appeal.

  • Explore how different diamond shapes enhance or complement various jewelry designs.

  • Learn about considering the shape impact when selecting a diamond.

  Diamonds come in various shapes, each offering distinct characteristics and visual effects. When choosing the right diamond, consider your personal style preferences to ensure a perfect match. Your chosen shape should reflect your individuality and resonate with your fashion sense.

  Exploring popular shapes like princess, emerald, oval, and marquise allows you to understand their unique allure. Each shape possesses specific traits that contribute to its beauty and brilliance. By delving into these details, you can pinpoint the ideal shape that suits your taste and style.

  The shape of a diamond plays a crucial role in its overall aesthetics. Different shapes can create varying visual impacts, affecting how the stone interacts with light and sparkles. Whether you prefer a classic round cut or a more modern pear shape, understanding the significance of shape ensures you make an informed choice for your jewelry piece.

  Authenticity Assurance

  

  Purchase Confidence

  When buying diamonds for the first time, it’s crucial to feel confident in your purchase. Ensure you educate yourself on the intricacies of diamond quality and authenticity.

  Tips and Tricks

  • Familiarize yourself with the 4Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat weight) to make informed decisions.

  • Seek guidance from experienced jewelers at Southside Jewelry and Loan for personalized advice.

  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the diamond’s origin, certification, and any additional services offered.

  Quality Checks

  Understanding quality checks is essential before investing in a diamond. Look beyond just the carat weight; examine cut precision, clarity, and color intensity.

  • Insist on reputable certifications like GIA or AGS to verify the diamond’s quality.

  • Southside Jewelry and Loan conducts thorough inspections to ensure each diamond meets their high standards.

  • Prioritize diamonds with excellent cut grades for maximum brilliance and sparkle.

Diamond Carat

Although many people think of the carat unit as a unit of size, it is actually a unit of mass. Therefore, the higher the carat of a diamond, the heavier the stone will be. Consequently, the price of a diamond often hinges on its carat count, pending the other factors on this guide are identical.

For all your Diamond questions, visit the leaders in Jewelry Sales in St Louis, Southside Jewelry at