“Solitaire” is more than just a game of playing cards, it is a diamond which is a timeless symbol of elegance, love, and effort. The occasion of choosing a perfect diamond is a big deal, hence it deserves a walk through of the ultimate diamond buying guide to ensure you purchase a solitaire diamond that truly justifies its eternal appeal!
Solitaire Diamond and its history
A solitaire diamond refers to a single diamond used in a piece of jewellery, typically a ring, necklace, or earrings. The term “solitaire” highlights that only one diamond is featured, rather than a bunch of small diamonds. The use of solitaire diamonds dates back to the 19th century when people would buy diamond rings as symbols of wealth and love.
What to Look for When Selecting a Solitaire Diamond?
The quality, shape, and 4Cs are the most important factors to keep in mind while you choose a diamond. The price of a solitaire diamond can vary widely depending on these factors, along with the brand, certification, and setting.
Factors to keep in mind while buying a diamond:
Here are essential characteristics to consider when you're thinking about how to purchase a diamond. After all, no two diamonds are the same!
- Diamond Cut Quality : Among the 4C’s, the cut has the most significant role in enhancing a diamond’s beauty. The more carefully a diamond is cut, the more mesmerizing it appears to the eye. A precisely cut diamond has more ability to catch and reflect light, making it more sparkling and visually stunning.
- Ideal Carat Weight : Carat refers to the weight of a diamond and is one of the major indicators of its value. A Large diamond is rare to find and thus more expensive, which makes carat weight a key factor in determining a diamond's price. However, when considering how to pick a diamond, it's essential to maintain a balance between carat weight and the 4C’s to enhance its overall beauty.
- Diamond Colour Grade: The Colour of a diamond refers to the degree of colorlessness. Colourless diamonds are valued for their bright, white appearance, making them rarer and more expensive. The quality of a diamond ranges from colourless to light yellow, and are graded on a scale from D to Z with D being most valuable.
- Clarity of the diamond: Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external flaws in a diamond. A diamond with less blemishes is generally more valuable, but most inclusions are so small that they’re invisible to the naked eye and don't impact the diamond's beauty.
- Preferred Diamond Shape : Diamond shape is a personal preference and varies from person to person, but round brilliant diamond crowns the title of most graceful and classic option. If you’re looking to purchase diamond jewellery, the round brilliant cut is a classic choice for engagement rings and fine jewellery due to its exceptional sparkle.
- Verified Diamond Certification : It is crucial to verify the certification of a diamond as it provides an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s quality, shape and characteristics. Always ensure your diamond comes with a verified certification from a reputable laboratories, such as GIA or IGI. A certified diamond guarantees authenticity and helps you make an informed purchase.
- Diamond Jewellery Insurance : One should always insure their solitaire diamonds through a jewellery-specific insurance policy or a homeowner's policy that covers valuable items. Make sure to have an appraisal and keep documentation for claims. Having insurance gives peace of mind, especially for valuable pieces like solitaire diamond rings, earrings and necklaces.
Lastly don’t forget to add a dash of confidence, as it's the perfect complement to your stunning piece. By incorporating these factors and using this diamond buying guide, you’ll know how to pick a diamond that truly reflects its timeless value and brilliance.
FAQ
How is a solitaire diamond made?
A solitaire diamond is formed either naturally deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure over a period of 1-3 billion years or created in a lab using methods like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).
How rare is a Solitaire Diamond?
The rarity of a solitaire diamond increases with the size, quality, and characteristics of the diamond, such as color and clarity. High-carat diamonds with excellent clarity and color grades are particularly hard to find, making them more valuable.
What is the most popular diamond shape for solitaires?
The round brilliant cut is the most popular shape for solitaire diamonds, known for its exceptional sparkle. However, princess and oval shapes are also highly favored for their modern appeal.
What are fancy colored solitaire diamonds?
Fancy colored solitaire diamonds are diamonds that exhibit strong colors such as blue, pink, or red. Red color diamonds are the most expensive colored diamonds.