How to Spot Quality Diamonds When Shopping Online

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Shopping for diamonds online could be something you’re hesitant to do, especially given the investment involved.

The good news is that so long as you go about this in the right way, and know what to look out for in terms of finding quality jewels, you’ll have nothing to fear from a spot of diamond-based ecommerce action.

So, with that in mind, let’s get the lowdown on how to spot quality diamonds when shopping online.

Understanding the World of Lab-Created Diamonds

First up, let’s talk about the brave new world of lab-created diamonds. These have identical physical, chemical and optical properties to those found in the Earth’s crust. But unlike their mined counterparts, they are products of technology and innovation.

Brands like VRAI have tapped into this modern marvel with an array of jewelry made using man-made gems which stand out from the competition. Checking out VRAI’s engagement ring range is worth it to see the brilliance that can be achieved using modern diamond foundries.

This means that the main piece of advice for buying lab-grown diamonds which are of the highest possible quality is to pick reputable suppliers. The same applies to all kinds of gems and associated products, because a good reputation is priceless from a consumer’s perspective.

Investigating Clarity: Key Aspects to Note

When gazing at a diamond, its crystal clear beauty should be undeniably enchanting. In technical terms, this transparent allure is referred to as the clarity of the jewel, and it’s one variable you need to consider when shopping online. Here are some important points:

• The grading of clarity revolves around considering any internal or external flaws (known as inclusions and blemishes respectively).
• Diamonds with few imperfections have higher clarity grades.
• Grade ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye).

Always consider these points while browsing diamonds online. Transparency on these details evokes trust in retailers and helps you make an informed choice.

Also remember that man-made gems really are identical to mined ones, up to and including inclusions. So you need to be on the lookout for this feature during your search, regardless of what priorities you have or what budget you’re sticking to.

Deciphering Diamond Cuts and Shapes

The cut and shape of a diamond contribute a great deal to its overall appeal, and styles have changed throughout history. While ‘cut’ refers to the quality of craftsmanship in carving a diamond from its rough form, ‘shape’, is all about the geometry or design of the final product. Some commonly chosen shapes include:

• Round: The most popular due to high brilliance.
• Princess: Features sharp, uncut corners.
• Oval: A variation on round cuts with elongated symmetry.
• Marquise: An oval shape with points at both ends.

Every shape has its unique effect on refracting light, thus differing in sparkles they produce. For online buyers, focusing on detailed descriptions next to images ensures accuracy in understanding how every cut will look upon arrival.

Also keep in mind that the skill of the person who has carried out the work needed to form the diamond into its final shape will play a part in how it looks, and how valuable it is. Not all cuts are created equal in this regard, so once again it’s best to go on the supplier’s reputation to secure a gem worth cherishing.

Importance of Carat Weight in Assessing Value

Carat weight is one of the key determinants when gauging the value and size of a diamond. As it increases, so does its rarity and price. Here are some quick insights:

• One carat equals 200 milligrams. Lighter diamonds are measured in points where each point represents 1/100th of a carat.
• Size doesn’t necessarily determine attractiveness or brilliance.These properties hinge on high-quality cuts.
• Larger diamonds tend to show imperfections more clearly.

Understanding these aspects allows you to compare various options before making an online purchase. Remember, retailers that disclose complete details such as carat weight clarify your decision-making process remarkably well.

In addition, with lab-created diamonds you get better value for money in terms of carat weight. This is because they are priced more competitively thanks to the lower overheads associated with growing diamonds in a lab compared with mining them. In turn this means they’re more aligned with modern fashion sensibilities, prioritizing a pro-planet agenda.

How Knowing About Color Can Influence Your Choice

Diamond colors are graded using a system that ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Truly colorless diamonds, ranked D on the scale, are extremely rare and valuable.
• Diamonds with a slight yellow tinge fall between grades K-M on the scale.
• The color of your diamond can impact its brilliance. Brighter colors reflect light better.

When selecting a ring online, consider viewing statements concerning diamond color as these directly influence appearance. As with carat weight, this info should be made clear by sellers, so be skeptical of any site that doesn’t present you with accurate color grading details on product pages.

Securing Your Investment: Insurance and Other Protective Measures

Once you’ve carefully selected and purchased your diamond, protecting this valuable asset becomes paramount. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Get it insured: Many of the biggest insurance companies offer policies designed specifically for jewelry.
• Keep the documentation: This includes sales receipts, certifications, warranties, all present during an online purchase. That way you can prove details of your purchase if you need to in future.

Also consider:

• Regular maintenance checks to ensure the diamond is secure in its setting
• Keeping it stored safely when not worn. As well as protecting it in a ring case or jewelry pouch, be sure to place it in a secure location, whether in a locked drawer or safe at home, or even in a safety deposit box if it’s an especially valuable piece.

Final Thoughts

The main thing you need in any major online transaction is trust. If you are confident that the supplier is legitimate and holds themselves to high standards, you can buy diamonds with confidence. But even in this case, using the knowledge you’ve gained here will help you make that final decision.