When purchasing a diamond for yourself or a loved one, it is of the utmost importance that you as a consumer are as informed as possible on what determines a diamond’s true value. There are four terms which you will very likely hear a number of times: diamond clarity, cut, color and carat weight. It is just as important to know what system your jeweler is using to grade his/her diamonds. For example: If they are using the GIA’s system you may encounter terms such as VVS, VS and SI. The American Gem Society uses a scale of 1-10, zero being the most valuable. It requires a trained eye and 10x magnification to really see the flaws in a good diamond. Those lowest on the clarity scale will have flaws much more visible to the naked eye. When assigning value to a diamond understand that what is really happening is its rarity is being measured. It is rare to find a diamond with little or no flaws therefore one, which exhibits few such imperfections, is considered most valuable.

Some more reputable jewelers will have a gemological microscope available for you to examine the diamond yourself. There is no better way to take the mystery out of what diamond clarity really signifies than to see it with your own eyes. A jeweler that offers this option is also making the statement that they have nothing to hide and are very confident in their assessment regarding the quality of their stones. This is a good sign and something perhaps to look for if you are seriously in the market.

Probably the most well know characteristic of a diamond are size and carat weight. Understand that the larger a diamond is, the more valuable it may be, but only if a certain level of clarity is maintained. When cost is a concern you will have to determine what is most important to you. Perhaps sacrificing a certain level of diamond clarity in order to afford a larger diamond is something to consider. If you are strictly in the market for the most flawless diamond you can afford, then size may have to take a back seat to achieve your goal.

One way to get the exact diamond and setting that you want is to buy from a manufacturing jeweler. That's because these types of jewelers don't buy their products from manufacturers, they ARE the manufacturer. They have their own showrooms and you can meet with a trained specialist that will help you get a diamond and setting that is wonderfully unique and special.

Finding beauty in a diamond is something much more personal and must be determined by evaluating what is most important to you as the owner or giver of such a precious gem. Sometimes characteristics such as diamond clarity have very little effect on beauty for someone who chooses to focus on the individuality and uniqueness of their stone. If you are really concerned about blemishes, perhaps understanding what happens in the life of a diamond long before it is in your hands can help. Most blemishes and imperfections are the result of the diamond’s natural development deep within the Earth. Others are a byproduct of the tremendous stresses a diamond endures to reach an area where it can be harvested. Finally there are those imperfections caused by subsequent processes in the hands of man, such as mining or cutting. To put it simply, if a diamond can endure all it does prior to reaching the showcase in acceptable condition, it is likely to bring your or your loved one years of enjoyment.