Purchasing Diamonds Without Breaking the Bank

Purchasing a diamond is not something to be taken lightly, especially financially, but it does not have to be overwhelming. If a diamond is your goal, with the proper preparations, you should have no issue securing a diamond that does not go over your budget. Here are the steps needed to help you make the right purchase without spending too much money.

1. Learn the 4Cs

The price of a diamond is determined by its Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. Here’s a deeper look into them and why they are crucial for you to understand: 

Cut: The cut of the diamond refers to the way it has been shaped. This is the most critical and impactful element in determining how the diamond catches light and sparkles. It is wise to prioritize an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ cut grade, even if it comes at the price of other factors.

Color: The color of the diamond, as with many other things, also ranges on a scale. For diamonds, they are labeled from D to Z, with D being colorless. Diamonds that are G to H in grade are nearly colorless and provide the best visual alongside cost.

Clarity: For those who do not have cash to muster, going for the slightly included (SI1 and SI2) grade is a choice that you will not regret as they are nearly flawless to the eye but do come with a slight cost.

Carat: Toward cutting cost, a diamond weighing slightly under one carat, such as 0.90 carats, does not drastically alter the size, but allows you to save money.

2. Select Diamonds Created in a Laboratory

Laboratory diamonds possess the same beauty and strength as natural diamonds, but they are significantly less expensive. When trying to stay within a set budget, these gemstones are a great choice for those who want a larger or higher quality diamond.

3. Choose Any Other Shape Other Than Round

The reason why round diamonds are costlier compared to others is because of the demand as well as the loss incurred while cutting. Other shapes such as oval, pear, cushion and emerald cuts can save nearly 30% without losing added elegance.

4. Save on Carat, Focus on the Cut

A diamond that is cut well will tend to look better and be larger than a poorly cut diamond even with the same carat. If you have a budget, then cut quality should always be prioritized over carat weight.

5. Go for cluster oder halo settings

Alternatively, you can use cluster or halo settings in which smaller diamonds set around a large center stone, thereby creating stunning designs at lower prices which appear bigger and more radiant.

6. Purchase from an Offline Store with Good Reputation

For best value, it is advisable to purchase from trusted jewelers that deal with certified diamonds (GIA or IGI preferred). Compared to traditional stores, online retailers have lower expenses and can be found cheaper at storefronts.

7. Color and Clarity Can Be Modified

Once the diamond is set within a ring, a faint hue in the color (H-J range) or slight inclusions (SI1-SI2) will not be visible. These traits can be adjusted to be more budget friendly. 

8. Make The Most of Seasonal Promotions and Sales

You may find top quality diamonds for lower prices during holiday promotions, Black Friday deals, and jewelry retailers clear-out sales. 

Conclusion

Not splurging on a diamond does not have to mean sacrificing beauty or quality. With knowledge of the 4Cs, a willingness to explore different shapes, the acceptance of lab-grown diamonds, and flexibility around color and clarity, a breathtaking diamond can be achieved at a reasonable price. When done right, shopping for a diamond does not have to make your wallet burst!