How To Buy a Diamond or Engagement Ring

How to buy a diamond

Understand the 4C’s of Diamond Quality

This basic knowledge will not only unlock the mystery of a diamond’s quality, it will help you understand a diamond’s value and price.

Diamond Colour

In most diamonds, the term actually refers to the absence of colour. The less colour in the stone, the more desirable and valuable it is. Some of these differences are not visible to the naked eye, but directly impact the overall quality and price of the stone.

Diamond Clarity

Measures the amount, size and placement of internal ‘inclusions,’ and external ‘blemishes.’ Grades run from ‘Flawless,’ with virtually no imperfections, to ‘Included,’ which contain a significant number of imperfections.

Diamond Cut

Does not refer to a diamond’s shape, but to the proportion and arrangement of its facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut. Grades range from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Poor.

Diamond Carat

Refers to a diamond’s weight. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone. Two diamonds of equal carat weight, however, can have very different quality and price when the other three Cs are considered.

Choose a jeweller as you would choose a doctor

Your jeweller should be armed with expert training, open to questions and able to provide answers in clear, simple language. Professional training can help you evaluate how knowledgeable a jeweller is. Preferably, their training comes from a highly-recognized and internationally accredited program, such as the GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) or Applied Jewellery Professional (AJP) diploma programs. An educated jeweller will not only explain the 4Cs of Diamond Quality to you, but will be able to demonstrate the differences between apparently similar stones. They will also encourage you to compare a number of diamonds that fall in your budget.

Insist on a reputable diamond grading report

A diamond grading report from an unbiased, scientific source such as GIA , HRD, IGI, EGL is more than important information, it’s proof of what you are purchasing. The differences in diamonds can be so subtle, even a trained jeweller can’t recognize them without lab verification. Insist that any diamond you buy comes with an indisputable verification of its quality.

Insist on a reputable diamond grading report

A diamond grading report from an unbiased, scientific source such as GIA , HRD, IGI, EGL is more than important information, it’s proof of what you are purchasing. The differences in diamonds can be so subtle, even a trained jeweller can’t recognize them without lab verification. Insist that any diamond you buy comes with an indisputable verification of its quality.

How to buy an engagement ring

Budget

At Diamond Corporation SA ® we encourage first time buyers to be brave but not break the bank. We advise against indebting yourself. Ensure you start off your new relationship on strong footing and financially free. Rather start small and grow your diamond in years to come with our Diamond Corporation SA diamond upgrade program* A good guideline for setting a budget is equal to 3 months salary, if you have it in savings, alternatively make use of our Diamond Corporation SA 20% Secure Deposit payment alternative.

Style

Although there are many engagement ring styles to choose from, the essence of an engagement ring design style is to outlive any trend. It is meant to be timeliness, never out of fashion and never completely a trend by itself. It is a symbol of commitment and an oath to unconditional love. Diamond Corporation SA recommends selecting a style that compliments the unique attributes of your other half. Take into consideration her finger size and length; her fashion style (classic, modern, luxury, retro) and nature of work.

Finger Size

A proposal is generally a surprise, so obtaining her finger size can be more challenging than anticipated. Diamond Corporation SA ® has created a number of solutions to help you in this undercover mission. We have these tools available:

  • Diamond Corporation SA Online Finger size Guide
  • Diamond Corporation SA Printable Finger Size Guide
  • Fingerdex ™ digital photo finger size solution. Send us a photo and let our software do the work.
  • In-store size fitting ( in the event of a non-surprise)
  • Some other alternatives are available, these are :

  • Having her friends or mom take her to a jeweller to measure for fun
  • Get hold of an existing ring that fits her left ring finger and measure it using our size guide.
  • Diamond

    First question to answer is. What do I consider most import in a diamond for my spouse, is it

    Size? Quality? Or a Combination of both

    If Size - Diamond Corporation SA recommends selecting a Com White diamond grade.

    If Quality - Diamond Corporation SA recommends selecting the Colourless or Top White diamond grade.

    If Both - Diamond Corporation SA recommends selecting the White or Near White diamond grade.

    Each of our Diamond Corporation SA diamonds are certified independently for your reassurance and transparency.

    Metals

    Precious metals used in jewellery are grouped as “warm metals” Yellow Gold and Rose Gold and “cool metals” Rhodium Silver, White Gold, Platinum.

  • The first decision to make is which “colour” metal your other half will enjoy.
  • Secondly, based on her vocation and your budget, is to decide which metal “type and purity”
  • Remember “Karat is a unit of measure for Gold purity or fineness” it is often confused with diamond Carat which is a unit of weight.
  • 18K White Gold 9K White Gold
    75% Gold 37.5% Gold
    Harder than 10K Softer than 14K
    Price: High Price: Low
    Durability: High Durability: Medium
    Silver Platinum
    92% Silver 95% Platinum
    Same as 10K Hardest
    Price: Low Price: High
    Durability: Medium Durability: Very High
    Hypoallergenic

    Personalise

    Diamond Corporation SA offers text and symbol engraving. Make your moment more memorable with a personal message, date or symbol. Option available during checkout.

    Secure

    To protect what is yours and hers by having your precious item insured against risk. Diamond Corporation SA provides a professional appraisal certificate to indicate your item value. It is this value that must be insured.

    Think Ahead

    Once the engagement ring purchase is made, there is more to come. Think ahead about which type of wedding band she might want to wear. Diamond Corporation SA offers a unique matching band for every engagement ring. Make use of our Three for Two promotion and only pay for 2 rings when you buy all three the bridal rings (engagement ring, wedding ring and mens band) from Diamond Corporation SA.