Picking a good quality diamond is important when purchasing diamond jewelry. Ask to see the diamond under a jeweler’s loop or a diamond microscope. You should notice no visible flaws, fractures, cloudiness or black spots. Watch out for chips that are hidden under prongs as well.
When wearing or buying jewelry, it is important to not go with anything large and flashy. I say this in literal terms, not as in “the diamond was so large.” This is because any jewelry like earrings or necklaces that are too large become gaudy and unattractive. It is best to stick to pieces that fit you and look right.
If you purchase any diamond over one carat, you need to get proof. Any diamond included in jewelry that is over one carat should come with a diamond grading report. This should be done by an independent gem grader and the report should include any information that could potentially affect its value.
If you are looking for diamond jewelry of any kind, remember to ask if the diamond you are considering is “conflict free”. Diamonds that are not conflict free may have been indirectly the cause of a great deal of suffering and even death. Conflict free diamonds are mined, processed, and exported under exacting conditions that do not allow any illegal activity or violence.
When you purchase your diamond engagement ring, see if you can get a Botswana diamond. Botswana produces wonderful diamonds under safe and fair conditions, and the money that the diamond industry earns is invested in their country to provide good education, roads, waterworks and other things that the people of Botswana need. A Botswana diamond is an investment in good Karma!
If you want a large diamond, but can’t afford the price tag, consider a fancy shape. Uniquely shaped diamonds tend to look larger than traditional round diamonds do. An oval or pear shaped diamond especially will look longer, and therefore larger, when it is on your finger. You can purchase a smaller carat weight, but still get the same large effect.
If you see a ring that claims to be diamond and has a sterling silver setting, be very wary. Diamonds are only professionally set in white gold, yellow gold or platinum. Very rarely and mostly never will you see a diamond ring set in sterling silver. There are a few infrequent cases with a few low grade diamond chips set in silver, but usually this will not happen. If you see a jewelry store with this practice, they are usually selling zirconia and claiming them as diamonds.
