Diamond Buying Guide

Buying the perfect diamond can sometimes feel overwhelming. When making such an important purchase, you want to be sure you’re getting the best possible option within your budget that will be loved forever. We understand this and we are here to help make sure you are completely comfortable and prepared to choose your perfect diamond.

Where to buy your diamond?

The place you choose to purchase your diamond and ring needs to be a place you can trust with a knowledgeable staff that can help guide you through all your options. First, ensure your jeweler is certified by a trusted Gem Lab such as GIA and the American Gem Society. This means that this jewelers diamonds have been inspected and certified by a gemological laboratory. Second, check reviews on Google to make sure your jeweler has left a good impression on past customers. Third, stop in to get a sense of how comfortable you will be making your purchase there. We of course would love for you to choose Ream Jewelers as your jeweler of choice, we are certified by both GIA and American Gem Society, our staff is kind and knowledgeable, our amazing customers have left wonderful reviews about us on Google, and bonus – you can enjoy free wine while shopping for your perfect diamond and engagement ring. We ensure that all of Ream Jewelers diamonds are ethically sourced. We hope you will consider coming in to feel how Ream Jewelers fits for you. The most important thing is your comfort and experience.

The 4Cs: Carat (weight), Color, Clarity and Cut

Diamond grading can seem like an overwhelming topic. Budget is important to consider when review the 4Cs. The price of a diamond goes up with the rarity of clarity, color, and carat. While the cut is the most important aspect, all good jewelers, including Ream Jewelers, will ensure only the most pristine cuts are sold. Diamonds are weighed with ultimate precision. Carat weight is represented in metric carats, ½ carat, ¾ carat, one carat, two carats, etc. The higher the carat, the bigger the diamond size. The color of the diamond is graded from D (whitest/colorless) to M-Z (yellow/brown hues). Less color equals greater value. Diamond clarity is about the transparency of the diamond and is evaluated by scrutinizing for “inclusions” and “blemishes”. The less inclusions and blemishes, the better the grade and greater the value. “Diamond graders use their expertise to analyze the size, nature, number, location, and relief of the inclusions and blemishes to decide what clarity grade is most appropriate for your diamond,” comments AGS. The cut of the diamond is what catches the light and your eye. It’s the artistry that makes it shine and give it that wow factory. There are three optical effects cut into diamonds: brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Brilliance adds contrast and brightness. Fire is the color or “prismatic effect”. Scintillation is the sparkle of a diamond. All three of these effects allows the diamonds beauty to literally shine through.

The Diamond’s Unique Shape

• Round Brilliant: This is the most popular and common shape, offering amazing white light reflection that catches the eye.
• Princess: A beautiful and romantic square shape that offers similar white light reflection to the round cuts.
• Cushion: A combination of a more modern and round brilliant cut pattern diamond with rounded edges.
• Emerald: This shape calls attention to the color and clarity of the diamond while giving it a classy look.
• Radiant: Combines the stylish lines of a square shape with the shine of the round brilliant cut diamonds.
• Oval: The oval offers the same brilliance as a round brilliant cut diamond but with a unique twist that makes it stand out.
• Pear: A unique pear or teardrop shaped diamond with a timeless, vintage look.
• Marquise: A long and narrow cut with a large surface area, creating the illusion of greater size while still offering brilliant shine.
• Asscher: A beautiful vintage cut, similar to the emerald cut diamonds but square in shape.
• Heart: A more literal expression of love, the heart shaped diamond is perfect for the romantics.

We know this is a lot of information to take in and we are here to answer any questions you may have and to make sure you get the perfect diamond and jewelry designs to fit your needs.