Your Diamond Buying Guide and Checklist
Let's face it. Buying a diamond for an engagement ring or any milestone jewelry is a big deal. It’s not just a significant purchase; it’s also a major decision as you strive to get it right—style, carat weight, sparkle! Most customers take about three months to find the perfect ring. While we can't necessarily make the process faster, we can make it easier. Here are the tips our diamond experts share with their friends—now, shared with you.
Buying an Engagement Ring
Tip 1: Set a Budget That Works for You
Forget the old rule about spending three months' salary. We have beautiful engagement rings for every budget and style.
- Our diamond experts do not work on commission.
- Mallria’s philosophy is to help you make the most of your budget.
- We handcraft each ring with care—regardless of the price.
Tip 2: Master the 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat
Understanding the 4Cs is key to getting the most sparkle for your budget. If you feel overwhelmed, you can always consult with them; they are experts at distinguishing fact from fiction and will guide you through each consideration.
Tip 3: Think with Your Eyes
Decide where to spend and where to save by prioritizing what you see first.
- A well-cut diamond reflects the most light—you can see its sparkle from across the room.
- To appreciate color, you need to be close, about three to six feet away.
- The highest clarity grades are only visible from six to eight inches away.
Tip 4: Prioritize Diamond Cut
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs: the better the cut, the more your diamond will sparkle.
- We offer four cut grades: Good, Very Good, Ideal, and Astor Ideal.
- 67% of customers choose Ideal cut for maximum sparkle.
- Poor cuts (too shallow or too deep) can make a flawless diamond appear dull.
Tip 5: View Diamond Clarity in Perspective
Most diamonds have tiny imperfections that are only visible under 10x magnification. For example, SI grade diamonds are not flawless but still look great to the naked eye.
- Diamonds may have internal or external flaws. Clarity grades range from SI2-SI1 (Slightly Included) to FL (Flawless).
- SI2 and SI1 grades are good choices for maximizing your budget.
- Weight affects clarity—if your diamond is less than two carats, choose VS2.
Tip 6: Consider Near-Colorless Diamonds Instead of Absolutely Colorless Ones
Colorless diamonds are actually the rarest and, therefore, the most expensive.
- Mallria’s diamonds are graded from K (Faint Color) to D (Colorless).
- For the best value and quality, start your search with G or H grade (Near-Colorless).
- Different metals can affect how the diamond color appears. Consider this when choosing a setting.
Tip 7: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Larger Carat Weight
While you may be envisioning a specific carat weight, bigger isn’t always better. It’s important that the gemstone you buy has the exact carat weight—or if you’re satisfied with a diamond that “reads” like that weight.
- Carat is about weight, not size.
- Prices increase exponentially with carat weight.
- A good starting point for your search is VS2 (Very Slightly Included).
- Carat weight relates to finger size, setting size, and diamond shape. Sometimes, a smaller carat weight is the right choice.
Tip 8: Consider Fancy Shape Diamonds
Round brilliant diamonds are our most popular, but don’t rule out other shapes. All non-round diamonds are called "fancy shape diamonds." Fancy shape diamonds can look larger and cost less than round diamonds of similar carat weight.
- Options include: Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Cushion, Marquise, Radiant, Oval, Pear, and Heart.
- Why are rounds more expensive? It’s complex, but it essentially comes down to established cut standards. Round diamonds are the only shape with GIA-specified cut parameters. Fancy shape diamonds also have strict standards, but these are determined by our own master craftsmen rather than the GIA.
Tip 9: Save Big by Buying Shy
Diamond prices jump significantly at the full and half-carat marks. Buying a diamond just shy of these weights is a great way to save money.
- The visual difference between 0.9 and 1.0 carats is minimal.
- Mallria offers a wide selection of non-traditional brands—far more than you’d find at a small independent jeweler.
Tip 10: Verify the Diamond Certificate
This is a big purchase, so of course, you want to know that what you’re buying is real, natural, and conflict-free. We have always sold high-quality, ethically sourced diamonds, and we wouldn’t sell them any other way.
- The finest natural diamonds are always independently certified.
- Ensure your diamond comes with a grading report from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
Tip 11: Trust Your Instincts
Never buy anything under pressure. You should be very excited about the diamond you choose. Don’t have regrets. When you propose with a ring you know she’ll love, your confidence will shine through.