Diamond Jewelry by Zvi Hager

About

Diamond Jewelry Beyond the Sparkle Buying diamonds for that special someone (even yourself), requires a much different approach than most purchases. Unlike buying groceries or clothing, purchasing diamond jewelry tends to be a less frequent occurrence. As such, most buyers lack the expertise or experience to ensure that they are getting the right diamond for the right price. In addition, not all diamonds are created equal; there are many variables that can affect the price, quality and longevity of the diamond. And finally, being that diamond jewelry is often bought for those who are nearest and dearest to us, such a purchase may be worth a little extra effort. So how does a diamond shopper know what to look for? What are the tricks of the trade? How can you get the best bang for your buck? The keys to evaluating diamonds are the 4 C’s: Cut, Carat, Color and Clarity. Here’s a brief summary of what they are: CUT – Cut refers to a diamond’s symmetry and polish. “Well-cut” diamonds can make a diamond look bigger, improve its color and mask imperfections. CARAT – Carat weight is how the weight of a diamond (and its resulting size) is measured. As a general rule, the heavier the weight, the larger the stone, although its corresponding size changes in relatively small increments. COLOR – The color of a diamond determines its sparkle and reflectiveness. Colors range from D (superior) to Z (inferior). It is worth noting that color differences are harder to notice in smaller diamonds. There is a price premium for white as opposed to yellow. CLARITY – Diamond clarity depicts the quality of a diamond, along with any internal or external blemishes. Clarity can also affect durability. Slight changes in quality can offer significant financial savings, but these differences are usually not noticeable to the naked eye. Beyond the 4 C’s, there are other factors to consider, especially for those living in Israel. Here are some of the key ones: SETTINGS – Settings made in some countri