Loose Diamonds: Looking At Round Brilliant And Fancy Cuts

For most people, the only time they buy diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to look for loose diamonds first and have them set later. You can inspect them for defects better, and improve your chances of a good deal. However, you need to be careful when buying. It's easy to make mistakes and give too much, or end up with an inferior diamond.

When looking at loose diamonds, you must check on the diamond's value. You'll want to scrutinize each one for the four C's; carat weight, cut, clarity and color. But remember that each diamond is unique, and it's uncommon for a single diamond to get two separate assessments with identical results. Ultimately, the value of a diamond is subjective, so you shouldn't be too obsessed looking for it's exact value.

The greatest diamond cut of all is the round brilliant cut. Thanks to the work of Marcel Tolkowsky, the proportions needed to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were determined and popularized. Further innovations refined Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.

The round brilliant cut is also the established favorite cut. In contrast, the popularity of fancy cuts are dependent on prevailing trends. Since people are interested in sparkle right now, the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond is dependent on other factors. You can easily get a high value diamond of any cut - or low value, if you buy recklessly.

So buy a diamond jewelry gift with the cut you prefer. It may be a shape that catches you or your significant other's fancy, or one that evokes special memories or feelings within you. If all you want is a huge diamond, and you don't mind flaws, it's easy to get one for cheap. But even if you are buying cheap, you have to scrutinize your purchases to avoid getting gypped.

When it comes time to set your loose diamond, it's best to have it done by the same people who sold it to you. If you bring it to another jeweler, they won't want to be held responsible for any damage the diamond may incur during setting. If the seller won't guarantee their own diamonds, just forget them and look for a seller who does.

For most people, the only time they buy diamonds is to get engagement and wedding rings. The smart way to go about this is to find loose diamonds first and have them set later. The round brilliant cut is the perennial favorite diamond cut. The popularity of fancy cuts are dependent on prevailing trends. However, the quality and value of a diamond is dependent on other factors. So buy a diamond jewelry gift with the cut you prefer.

-Lorraine Jacobs