Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring this Valentines? Here are six top tips from Precious

Valentine’s weekend: Advice to make it special.

If you are thinking of buying Diamonds for Saint Valentine’s, be it an engagement ring, Diamond stud earrings or a special diamond gift, here are six top tips to assist you from Precious.

1. Four C’s Tip

We talk a lot about Diamonds and when we talk, we talk about the four C’s:

Carat – the weight of the Diamond

Clarity – the purity of the diamond (the less inclusions/birthmarks the better)

Colour – A white Diamond is measured by how colourless it is

Cut – How perfectly the Diamond has been crafted

Tip: Ask to be shown the differences in the four C’s with each Diamond you view.

2. Certified Tip

If you are looking at a diamond, regardless of shape, over half a carat in weight, you should ask for its certificate or grading report. This will confirm that it is a natural diamond and confirm the four C’s.

Tip: Better certs are: AGS; GIA; HRD

3. Cut Tip

I am regularly asked which is the most important of the four C’s … if you would like a Diamond that really sparkles, invest in a Diamond that is of higher cut quality, ask to be shown the difference – once shown, never forgotten.

Tip: Higher cut quality gives Fire, Brilliance and Scintillation.

4. Valuation Tip

It is important to have your Diamond jewellery valued for insurance purposes, and insured on your house contents as an all risks item.

Tip: Have your Diamond jewellery valued.

5. Daylight Tip

It is unlikely you will be allowed run out the door with a handful of rocks – all jewellers have daylight lamps which show you how your Diamond will perform in broad daylight, this is how Diamonds are graded.

Tip: Ask to see Diamonds under daylight conditions.

6. Enjoy!

Diamond buying is fun, you may be treated to champagne; chocolates; cola bottles as you peruse the selections on offer.

Enjoy, take your time, try on everything, ask questions and fall in love, who knows, we might even see you in Precious!