Invest in the Four Cs
You are likely planning to buy a diamond—chances are that you may do so shortly. But have you ever heard of the 4Cs? If not, you might just be itching for the worst shopping experience of your life.
Diamonds are graded based on the Four Cs—cut, carat, color, and cut. In short, carat refers to the unit of measurement for the weight of the stone, which is why it is also commonly referred to as carat weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams. When buying diamonds, the higher the carat weight, the pricier the gem is. It is indeed a no-brainer.
Like the carat, the color aspect should not be hard to hack, either. The diamond color scale ranges from D, colorless, to Z, light yellow. However, we all have our choice of colors. The idea is to understand how the color affects the other aspects of the stone. For example, colorless diamonds reflect more light than colored ones. You must also understand the impact of color on the overall cost of the gem. In this regard, colored diamonds tend to be costlier than colorless ones. Red is the most expensive of colored diamonds, with yellow being the cheapest.
A diamond cut refers to the design of the jewel for polishing. Do not confuse a diamond's cut with its shape. As you may expect, the shape only gives the raw dimensions of the stone. However, the cut brings out the symmetry and polish of the diamond. To paint a clearer picture, did you know that a diamond cut affects the jewel’s brilliance? Besides, it impacts the shape and softness of the stone. An excellent cut optimizes the diamond’s color and clarity.
Lastly, clarity refers to how eye-clean a diamond is. The clarity scale ranges from IF (internally flawless) to I3 (included grade 3). You can use this scale if you are in doubt. However, you will realize that it comes down to what appears eye-clean. Remember that some people love diamonds with inclusions, underscoring the importance of establishing tastes before gifting somebody a diamond.
By understanding these four essential elements, you are only halfway towards finding your preferred diamond in Cincinnati. The other half of the task involves locating an ideal store.
Find a Reputable Store
Every diamond store you visit in Cincinnati will market its merchandise as the best. Of course, you do not expect them to put it any other way. However, you must read unrealistic claims since it is the only way you will sift through the hundreds of jewelers to home in on the best vendor.
First off, ensure that the store has an extensive industry presence. To do so, read a couple of online reviews. A vendor that has remained in operation for over a decade will likely be highly knowledgeable about diamonds. Such vendors must have witnessed thousands of return clients. When buying from their stores, they will probably recommend the best diamond for you.
Another hallmark of a reputable diamond jeweler in Cincinnati is the friendly customer experience. Some diamond stores exist for the sole motive of profit generation. For such vendors, nothing matters more than swaying you to buy their offers. It does not matter whether the jewelry suits you; they only care about cashing in. You will know them during your interactions at their stores. Instead of assisting you in locating your diamond, they will try to pressure you into buying one.
Besides, devious vendors are economical with information about the certification of their diamonds—another red flag. If a merchant deals in certified diamonds, why would they hold back any information? But if a vendor does so, it implies that their diamonds are not duly graded or that the grading lab is shady. You must shun these kinds of stores.
Lastly, could you check if the store offers a return policy? Diamonds do not come cheap; therefore, knowing that you can return the merchandise if it falls below your expectations is relieving.