How to Identify Diamond Quality

Trying to make sense of the intricacies of diamond buying can be intimidating. It used to be that spending two months' salary was the rule of thumb for purchasing a diamond. Nowadays there are no rules as to what to spend, except you should purchase the biggest and best diamond you can afford without breaking the bank. Luckily, with a little knowledge, identifying a quality diamond can be easy.

Instructions

1

Research carat weight, which is the weight of a diamond. A larger diamond is more valuable and costs more money.

2

Investigate diamond clarity, the measure of a diamond's flaws and inclusions. Clarity is measured on a scale of flawless to I2 and I3, meaning the diamond's flaws are visible to the naked eye. Diamonds with a clarity rating of SI, meaning the inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, are typically the best value.

3

Pay close attention to color. A diamond that is visibly yellow or brown tinted in less valuable than a colorless diamond.

4

Examine the cut. The cut of diamond affects how light in reflected through the diamond and refers to a combination of proportions, symmetry and polish. Diamonds with a GIA "cut grade" of very good or excellent are best.