Thread: How to get a good diamond?

Hey all. I'm wondering if anyone has some advice on how to pick out a good diamond for an engagement ring? I've read up on the four Cs, but I am by no means an expert. Is one more crucial than the others? Also, would you say it's best to get a certified diamond? If so, what's the most respected lab to go with? Thank you kindly.

Hopefully I can help. You definitely want a graded or "certified" diamond, it gives you the peace of mind that your stone was independently graded by a reputable lab. The "best" lab is the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), it is by far the most consistent and reputable lab in the industry. When it comes to the "4 C's" you want a nice blended average of them all. Meaning, you want a "white eyeclean stone" with an emphasis on cut. I stress quality of cut to all of my clients as its one of the most important qualities that makes the diamond perform as it was intended to. Feel free to ask any questions, Im here to help.

Hearts x Arrows my friends blog. he's got some interesting information regarding diamonds.

Thanks guys. Most of the diamonds I've been scoping out were GIA graded, so it's good to know they are the most reputable lab for grading.

Checking out the blog...it's got some helpful info. This jumped out at me especially:

Also understand that a specific clarity grade isn’t always set in stone. Many times, stones are sent to laboratories to receive certification of its particular color, clarity, carat weight, cut, etc. The legitimacy of the report depends on what laboratory the stone was sent to also. Certain labs are considered to be more lenient than others. One lab may consider a certain stone to be within the SI2 clarity range while another may consider that same stone to be within the I1 clarity range.

So GIA is considered the strictest lab I take it? Don't see the point in paying for an SI2 only to find out it's an I1.

Originally Posted by RealGone

So GIA is considered the strictest lab I take it?

The GIA and the AGS. What types of stones are you looking at?

Originally Posted by DrivenAgain

The GIA and the AGS. What types of stones are you looking at?

Asschers, ovals, and cushions and I would not want to go any lower than a carat. In your opinion, which of those will look the best in terms of sparkle and overall appearance?

I've just been browsing online at this point (bluenile mainly, which all seem to be GIA certified)...I wanna be as educated as possible before even stepping into a jewelery store to really LOOK at diamonds in the true sense of the word. Do you have any advice for what to do when first going in store to look at diamonds? Also, if I were to end up going the online route, what advice do you have for that? Is it safe as long as the diamond comes with a grading report?

You will get the best fire from a well cut round, although some other cuts may appear larger. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. Do you want her to have a big-looking diamond, or one that sparkles like crazy? Achieving both really adds up on the cost side.

Originally Posted by DialM

You will get the best fire from a well cut round, although some other cuts may appear larger. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. Do you want her to have a big-looking diamond, or one that sparkles like crazy? Achieving both really adds up on the cost side.

I've heard that about round cuts...my girlfriend is not into them for some reason though. I'd want it to be a decent size (hence at least a carat), but I want it to look nice too. Obviously, I'm not gunna go get a 3 carat diamond that's murky or has a big ol' inclusion in it.

If possible I'd want it to be "mind clean" as well (nifty term I picked up while edumacating myself). Not as important for her, but I'd like the peace of mind of knowing I got a decent rock and have the paperwork to back it up. Plus, I've been reading you need a cert to get the ring insured.