Guides & expertise · Diamantaires OG
Diamond Quality: The 4Cs
Diamantaire Paris offers an immediate buyback service for jewelry without auction.
More information without appointment at 43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris, or by phone: +33 1 48 87 23 37.
When buying a diamond, one tends to first look at the price and value before choosing. A bad habit: the diamond holds more sentimental than financial value, and it is important to consider other criteria to choose the right diamond, such as the emotions it evokes, its quality, the way it reflects light, etc. Let's review the criteria to prioritize when buying a diamond.
Buy a diamond 01 48 87 23 37 Our customer service is available free of charge for more information about our profession as a Diamantaire in Paris.Your personal feeling above all!
It is essential to see the diamond before buying it. Buying a diamond is above all a matter of heart. Rather than buying a diamond online, go to a store to see the diamond, touch it, and expose it to light. This way, you can not only examine the diamond from all angles (and see any inclusions or flaws), but also benefit from a professional's advice to help you make your choice if you are hesitating between several diamonds.
If possible, buy your diamond on a sunny day to expose it to daylight (from the north): these conditions will allow you to see its true color. Thus, you will have no unpleasant surprises! If you cannot buy under these conditions, don't worry: your diamond merchant will provide you with a specific lamp with a cold light bulb that emits light close to daylight.
If you feel something when looking at and touching the diamond, then it is the right diamond! Feel free to look at all kinds of diamonds before making your choice: sometimes it is not the diamond you had in mind before going to the store that ends up winning your preference.
Diamond is one of women's favorite stones for jewelry. Symbol of purity, immortality, and reconciliation, the diamond has strong symbolism in addition to being very elegant. Earrings can be set with white, yellow, black, or red diamonds, combined with yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, depending on the chosen style. The earring can take the form of a stud, a hoop earring, a drop earring... The setting varies from model to model: bar setting, 3 or 4 prong setting, 6 prong setting, bezel setting... Finally, the diamond itself can vary in shape (round brilliant, cushion, princess, heart...). There is thus a wide variety of diamond earrings for all tastes!
Diamond is one of women's favorite stones for jewelry. Symbol of purity, immortality, and reconciliation, the diamond has strong symbolism in addition to being very elegant. Earrings can be set with white, yellow, black, or red diamonds, combined with yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, depending on the chosen style. The earring can take the form of a stud, a hoop earring, a drop earring... The setting varies from model to model: bar setting, 3 or 4 prong setting, 6 prong setting, bezel setting... Finally, the diamond itself can vary in shape (round brilliant, cushion, princess, heart...). There is thus a wide variety of diamond earrings for all tastes.
Moreover, the wedding ring must be worn constantly by the spouses, so it must be of good quality to withstand the test of time. Diamond is one of the most resistant stones to shocks and scratches. The diamond wedding ring can thus be worn daily by the spouses without fear of damaging it over time.
Other criteria, in addition to personal feeling, should be considered when buying a diamond. The quality of the diamond is one of the most important criteria. The quality of a diamond is traditionally determined based on the "4Cs":
- The weight of the diamond in carats (Carat)
- The color of the diamond (Colour), measured by its degree of whiteness
- The clarity of the diamond (Clarity), measured by the number and size of inclusions
- The cut of the diamond (Cut)
The price of the diamond will necessarily depend on the 4Cs, especially the carat weight. But not only: for two diamonds of equal weight, the clarity or color can cause numerous price variations!
We generally base ourselves on the grading scale of the internationally recognized gemological laboratory GIA. Diamond clarity is classified on a scale with the following grades, from purest to least pure:
- IF (no inclusions)
- VVS1 or VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)
- VS1 (Very Slightly Included)
- SI1 or SI2 (Slightly Included)
- I1, I2 or I3 (presence of inclusions)
Diamond color is classified on a scale from letter D (colorless diamond) to K (slightly colored diamond), from pure white to white tinted with yellow.
Of course, it is useless to choose your diamond solely based on the 4Cs. A diamond without inclusions, colorless, and with a high weight will certainly be out of your budget anyway! These criteria are simply to keep in mind and can help you decide between several diamonds. Everything also depends on the style of diamond you are looking for: for example, if you want a small diamond, you will not go for the one with the highest carat weight! Similarly, the round brilliant cut diamond is considered the shape with the most ideal proportions, reflecting light best, but you may prefer a diamond with a more fanciful cut, such as the princess cut. Finally, know that there is no difference, to the naked eye, between a VS1 clarity diamond and an IF clarity diamond: the difference, however, is significant in terms of price.
Fluorescence, proportions, finish... other selection criteria
The 4Cs are not the only criteria for defining the quality of a diamond. For example, a diamond without inclusions and almost colorless will be of lower quality if it has strong fluorescence (i.e., it turns blue when exposed to sunlight). It is therefore advisable to also check the diamond's fluorescence and favor a diamond with none or weak fluorescence to ensure maximum brilliance. Similarly, proportions (cut quality) and finish (polish and symmetry) will also affect the diamond's aesthetics. These criteria are generally indicated on gemological certificates.
The gemological certificate
For all diamonds weighing more than 0.50 carat, a certificate issued by a world-renowned gemological laboratory (IGI, GIA, HRD, LFG) is mandatory. If you buy a diamond under 0.50 carat, it is advisable to request one. The gemological certificate acts as the diamond's identity card. It includes all the diamond's characteristics according to internationally established standards. This will help you avoid being scammed by an unscrupulous diamond dealer!
The diamond merchant
The choice of diamond merchant is as important as the choice of diamond. Choose a professional who will guide you in finding the diamond you fall in love with. A true professional will take into account your personal criteria, especially your budget and preferences in shape and weight, to help you choose a diamond that suits you, without trying to sell you the diamond they want. Feeling comfortable is very important to ensure you choose the right diamond!
Avoid companies and brokers who offer diamonds at attractive prices in hourly rented premises, as it will be harder to find them again in case of fraud. Similarly, avoid online sales, especially since seeing the diamond before purchase is very important.
Make sure you receive an invoice in exchange for your purchase. If the diamond merchant does not provide an invoice, the diamond may be sold on the black market and you risk severe legal penalties. Similarly, always pay the VAT and do not be tempted by sellers offering diamonds without VAT at reduced prices!
At Diamantaires Paris OG, we refer to the "Rapaport Diamond Report", a list of prices for cut diamonds from 0.01 carat to 5.99 carats available to professionals, to set the right price for your diamond. No longer fear fraud and come to our store in Paris to be guided by an approved professional in choosing your diamond.
Sell diamond earrings
Diamantaire Paris offers an immediate buyback service for jewelry without auction. More information without appointment at 43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris.
Read more » June 23, 2021Sell a diamond wedding ring
Diamantaire Paris offers an immediate buyback service for jewelry without auction. More information without appointment at 43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris.
Read more » June 23, 2021 What are the main criteria to consider when buying a diamond at Diamantaire Paris?- Personal feeling: It is essential to see and feel the diamond before buying. The purchase must be a matter of the heart.
- Diamond quality: Based on the "4Cs" – Carat (weight), Colour, Clarity, and Cut.
- Fluorescence and finish: Check the diamond's fluorescence, proportions, and finish, which influence its aesthetics.
Yes, it is highly recommended to visit the store at 43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris to see, touch, and expose the diamond to light.
How does Diamantaire Paris ensure the quality of diamonds?Each diamond over 0.50 carat comes with a certificate from recognized gemological laboratories (IGI, GIA, HRD, LFG), guaranteeing its characteristics.
What is the importance of choosing the diamond merchant?The choice of diamond merchant is crucial. A trusted professional will guide you considering your personal criteria, budget, and preferences.
What guarantees does Diamantaire Paris offer when buying a diamond?Diamantaire Paris provides an invoice for each purchase, ensuring the diamond's legitimacy and quality. They also commit to offering the best market prices.
At Diamantaire Paris, we understand the importance of every detail when it comes to acquiring or selling precious jewelry. Our expertise extends far beyond simple transactions, offering a full range of services to meet all your jewelry and diamond needs. If you are wondering what to do with inherited jewelry, our team of experts is here to guide you through the process, ensuring each piece is treated with the care and respect it deserves.
For those looking to sell high jewelry pieces, we offer an alternative to Sotheby's, as well as to other renowned auction houses like Doyle New York and Drouot. Our personalized approach ensures that each piece is accurately appraised, taking into account its provenance, design, and rarity.
We also specialize in selling specific items, such as 18th-century rings and platinum rings with diamonds over 2 carats. Our expertise is not limited to antique jewelry; we also offer services to sell 1950s jewelry and retro diamonds, ensuring each piece finds its ideal buyer.
At Diamantaire Paris, each piece of jewelry is a work of art, and we are committed to providing the highest quality services to meet all your jewelry and diamond needs. Whether you are looking to sell, invest, or simply get an accurate appraisal, our team of experts is here to help you.
Free, no-obligation estimate
Combien valent vos bijoux ?
In-person appraisal by a state-certified gemologist — firm offer, immediate payment, in complete confidentiality.