The cost of a diamond is what the other 4 C’s determine. For all but the rich, diamond cost is usually the definitive factor in whether or not one will buy a particular diamond.
The industry advises that you spend about 2 months salary on a diamond engagement ring. This could be feasible or not, depending on what you make per month. Obviously the more money you make, the easier it is to save 2 months worth. Someone on the low end of the income scale may not be able to save as much as someone in the higher tax brackets.
When buying, it’s a good idea to have a budget in mind before you go shopping. Figure out how much you have to spend and stick to it. You can find something to fit most budgets, so don’t be afraid to stick to your guns.
Once you’ve determined your budget, think about the other 4 C’s of diamonds (cut, color, clarity and carat weight) and figure out which are the most important to you. If the person you’re buying for is looking for something big, you might be able to save some money by getting a lower color rating or clarity rating. If she’s looking for something that will sparkle in any light, put cut and clarity at the top of your list and don’t worry as much about carat weight.
When you go shopping for a diamond, you will likely hear stone prices expressed in dollars-per-carat. This can be a little confusing because diamonds in a case are not priced like most other things in the world. For example, a .50-carat diamond that is labeled $2,000 per carat would cost you $1,000. You’re only buying half of a carat, so naturally the price is cut in half. Of course, it can go the other way as well. A 1.50-carat diamond labeled at $2,000 would cost you $3,000.
Another term you should know is total weight or T.W. This is usually used on rings that have multiple stones on them. You may see a ring that is labeled with a few t.w.’s on it. It may have a t.w. of diamonds at 1.0 carats, and an additional t.w. of sapphires at .25 carats. This just means that if you add up the weight of all the diamonds on the ring (before they were mounted) it would come out to be 1.00 carats.
Finally, remember that 3 diamonds that add up to a t.w. of 1.00 carat are not worth as much as 1 diamond that weighs 1.00 carat. A single diamond with a high carat weight is worth more than a few small diamonds that add up to the same weight.
James has more than a passing interest in fine diamonds and precious metals. He has been studying diamonds for many years, beginning with the purchase of his wife’s engagement ring. To learn more about what to look for in diamonds, visit his site at Diamond Rings [http://www.unique-diamond-rings.com/] You will find a wealth of information about purchasing the diamond of your or your loved one’s dreams.
When looking for that perfect diamond, it is important to have someone you can trust and that is involved in the diamond trade. James can guide you with people that stand behind their diamonds.
