When shopping for diamonds, especially when it comes to gifts or something as important as an engagement ring, it is enough to strike fear in the hearts of the budget conscious. Few things can beat the innate beauty and allure of a beautiful diamond and that is often reflected in the price tag as well! Shopping for diamonds or diamond jewellery may seem like a Herculean task when it comes to a limited budget, but it need not be. Whether you are looking to buy a brilliant colourless gem or pretty pink diamonds, there are certain ways to help you spend relatively less.
Read on for a few handy hints from the experts –
- Compromise on clarity – It is touted time and time again how clarity, one of the big C’s of diamond shopping, is absolutely essential when purchasing a rock. The highest clarity grade which is deemed as flawless or internally flawless, is said to be ideal and then there are gradations going down in descending order. What many people don’t realise is that very small and small inclusions in a diamond are rarely noticeable to the naked eye and can usually only be spotted through a jeweller’s loupe or with extreme magnification. But picking up a stone with these inclusions can save you a heck of a lot of cash and you wouldn’t even notice. They look just as beautiful and can save you hundreds if not thousands.
- Adjust the carat weight – As you know the carat weight of a diamond is also one of the indicators of its price with the obvious fact that more the carat weight of a stone the steeper the price tag. What many shoppers don’t know or realise is that even a decimal point difference in carat weight can lead to a huge jump in price. Many savvy shoppers suggest picking up a stone of say .99 or .90 carats for example instead of a one carat diamond. It looks nearly the same and has the same impact but can be a big difference in the price.
- Colour difference – Unless you are intentionally buying a coloured diamond, you have probably been advised to look for pristine and absolutely colourless diamonds. Grades in colour vary from colourless to near or almost colourless when it comes to purchasing white diamonds, with the colourless ones being considered top of the line. But even buying the next in rung, does not make all that much difference to the appearance of a diamond especially to the naked eye. And again it can potentially save you a lot of cash.
- Consider different settings – You may have white gold or platinum on your mind for your next diamond purchase. But if you want that gorgeous stone and rather not compromise on it, why not consider switching your metal choice. Look for other less expensive options like palladium or silver instead.
- Go online – Shopping for diamonds isn’t just limited to your neighbourhood jewellery store or designer boutique any more. You will find loads of diamond and diamond jewellery retailers online that often offer fantastic deals and sizeable discounts. Check different websites and compare prices and do not limit yourself where your shopping options are concerned. You can also opt to purchase loose diamonds and then have it set in the setting of your choice, giving you more customizable options.
Diamonds are precious; whatever you decide to spend, always make sure you are purchasing a certified diamond!
Bio – Joan White is a jewellery designer who has her own web store. Her creations are usually a mix of precious stones and less expensive fashion jewellery elements. She says that pink diamonds are currently trending big time and uses them often in her new range of earrings and bracelets.
