Whether you are purchasing your first or your fiftieth diamond, we all know how intimidating it is. Walking into the brightly lit and busy jewelry store with the commission sales clerks hovering all around you is not a comfortable situation. At Vancouver Diamonds, we know how this feels, and this is why we extend an invitation for you to visit our downtown studio. Our free consult and no-pressure approach will put you at ease immediately so that you can make your selection undaunted.
Many diamond admirers will recite the 4C’s of a diamond as the true benchmarks of a high-quality diamond—carat, cut, clarity, and color—but fewer look beyond these factors. Diamond grading and value relies on many additional factors, so it is essential to understand how they work to ensure the right value for a diamond.
Certification
The 4C’s of diamonds are the most familiar signifiers of a diamond’s quality. What is lesser-known, however, is how the grading labs that evaluate these diamonds are far from identical. There are four major grading labs in the industry, with each lab offering a different level of consistency. Being conscious of the lab that is grading your diamond, can add market value to the diamond you chose.
Top diamond grading labs:
· GIA – Gemological Institute of America
· IGI – International Gemological Institute
· HRD – Hoge Raad voor Diamant
· AGS – American Gem Society
Cut Grade
Two components of cut grade are polish and symmetry, which affect the surface quality of the diamond and how precise its shape is. Each of these receives its rating, which then makes up the final cut grade. If a diamond is cut correctly, you will visibly see the fire and brilliance shine through, and be worth more than diamonds of higher color and clarity grades.
Fluorescence
Sometimes a diamond can seem to shine brighter than its counterparts, and this is likely because of its fluorescence. One out of every three diamonds glows under UV light, and often seem to make the diamond appear to be a different color. This effect can be considered positive or negative to a diamond’s value, depending on other factors like color grade.
Market Demand
Not all diamond shapes are created equal, and consumer preferences see specific cuts of diamonds fall in and out of favour depending on trends. In the 1980s, the Marquise diamond shape was the clear-cut favourite for many, while the Round Brilliant cut has endured over time to remain popular and is currently the top cut on the 2019 on-trend lists.
At Vancouver Diamonds, our founder Josh Raber is a second-generation diamond dealer who has been involved in the industry for almost 15 years. Beginning his education in 2005 at his father’s side, he went solo in 2013 and opened the doors of Vancouver Diamonds. Creating a boutique experience was important to him as was offering a customized wholesale experience ensuring clients receiving the best value for their budget.
When the time is right for you, book a consultation, come in and let Josh walk you through the steps to choosing your best option.
“It makes me proud to know that when the client leaves,” says Josh, “they leave with a beautiful piece for the best possible price.”
