Learning about diamonds – a step by step guide to buying the right diamond.

There's a lot more to buying a diamond than being in love. It's a big investment and an important decision! Before you make it, you should do the research just as you would before buying stock, or real estate, or an automobile for that matter.

A diamond education doesn't cost you anything. But if you don't learn about diamonds before you select one, it could cost you a bundle.Your goal should be to approach the diamond counter as an educated consumer. That way, you can not only make an informed, competent and rational purchase, but one that will please the woman in your life with its brilliance and beauty.

Step one in learning about diamonds:

Researching diamonds begins by learning the 4Cs

When you learn about diamonds, you'll hear a lot about the 4Cs. In diamond lingo, diamond attributes – the characteristics of a diamond – are known as the 4Cs.

The 4Cs help to determine both the value and the beauty of a diamond. Obviously, the more beautiful a diamond is, the more people are willing to pay for it. But what makes a diamond beautiful?

These are the 4Cs. A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. The cut is considered the most important characteristic of a diamond, because a well proportioned stone, regardless of it shape, offers the greatest fire, sparkle, and brilliance. Color is the natural body color visible in a diamond, and the single characteristic determined by nature alone. Clarity is an indication of a diamond's purity. How are the 4Cs determined?

Step two in learning about diamonds: Getting smart about diamond certification

As a rule, every diamond a reputable jeweler sells has been examined and graded according the 4Cs. The rating gives you a scientific means for comparing the price of one diamond with another. A larger diamond – one with greater carat weight – may be lower in price than a smaller one because its cut, clarity and color are not as special. All 4Cs must be taken into account to determine the value. But how do you find out the grading for each diamond? Another C word: Certification

Diamond certificates are issued by independent gemological laboratories. Certification serves as written proof of a diamond's attributes and a basis for determining the value of diamonds with similar attributes. Certification gives you the power to purchase a diamond with the characteristics you want at a fair market price.

But be careful. Certification is just one part of determining a diamond's value.

Step three in learning about diamonds: Developing an eye for beauty and brilliance

There are several factors that contribute to a diamond's beauty – or the appearance of beauty in the eye of the beholder. Some women consider a certain shape, such as a round diamond more beautiful than another shape, such as a pear. How a diamond is set is another matter of personal taste that affects your impression of a diamond's beauty.

But the most critical aspect of the inherent beauty of a diamond is its brilliance. Brilliance is also called "fire" and "sparkle." It is the element that brings the diamond to life, catches your eye from afar and reflects lights as it moves on a woman's hand. Brilliance is the wow factor!

And brilliance can be scientifically determined in terms of Return of Light. The first diamond ever to be independently measured and certified for its superior fire, sparkle and brilliance is The Leo Diamond, a handcrafted diamond by Leo Schachter. The Leo Diamond comes with an additional certification from GemEx Systems verifying the level of Return of Light. Learn more about how a diamond's beauty is determined.

Step four in learning about diamonds: Building confidence in the diamond buying process

If you understand the 4Cs, have learned all about certification, are poised to look for fire, sparkle and brilliance in a diamond, and feel comfortable that you've chosen a reputable jeweler, then you should have confidence that you will make a responsible and smart choice.

However, there is one more confidence-building factor you may want to consider – buying a brand name diamond. What's the difference between branded and unbranded diamonds? While most diamonds are unbranded, branded diamonds like The Leo Diamond, by Leo Schachter are becoming increasingly available and assure you of consistent quality and craftsmanship. Jewelers who carry The Leo Diamond have been authorized to do so by Leo Schachter because they meet high standards for quality, service and customer satisfaction.

Locate the nearest authorized Leo Schachter jeweler.

© 2004 Leo Schachter Diamonds, LLC Diamond Wholesalers The Leo Diamond® is a registered trademark of Leo Schachter Diamonds, LLC. Your privacy is guaranteed. We will never give, lease or sell your personal information. Period!