Choosing a Diamond

A practical way to balance beauty, specification, budget and the jewellery design.

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Jewellery Care Guide

Start with the Jewellery, Not Just the Report

A diamond is normally bought to be seen in jewellery, not only as a list of grades. Start with the finished look you want: ring style, shape, metal colour, finger coverage and budget.

Decide on Origin

Choose whether you want a natural diamond, a laboratory-grown diamond or whether you are open to both. Their origin, rarity, purchase price and resale markets differ.

Prioritise the 4Cs

Decide which characteristics matter most to you. Some buyers prioritise visible size, some want a colourless appearance and others prefer higher clarity. A balanced stone can often be better value than maximising one grade while ignoring the rest.

Look at Dimensions

Carat is weight. Millimetre dimensions tell you more about face-up spread. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can have different visible sizes because of shape and proportions.

Check Documentation

For certified stones, check the issuing laboratory, report details and whether the report can be verified. Make sure natural/laboratory-grown origin is clear.

Compare in Real Life

Whenever practical, compare more than one diamond. Paper specifications are useful, but actual appearance under different lighting and in the intended setting can change your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

We can discuss sourcing options where the exact stone is not already in stock.

Both are diamonds. Choose based on origin preference, budget and market considerations.

Not automatically. A lower clarity grade can still look clean to the unaided eye depending on the stone.

No fixed salary rule is necessary. Choose a budget that is comfortable for you.

Ask Gold Factory

If you would like help applying any of this information to a real piece of jewellery, visit us at 294 Farnham Road, Slough, SL1 4XL, call 01753 536800 or contact us through www.goldfactory.co.uk. Jewellery can vary, so our team can explain the options for the actual item you are considering.

Visit Gold Factory

Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. Sunday closed.

Shop Jewellery
Jewellery Care Guide