How to Buy a Diamond for her Anniversary Gift

If you've decided on diamond jewelry as an anniversary gift for your wife, you've made a brilliant choice! But brilliant is the most important word when buying diamonds, because brilliance equates to the beauty of the stone and contributes heavily to a diamond's value. Before you make a final decision, there are some important things you need to know about how to buy a diamond.

Buying diamonds: Tip #1 - Buy the stone first

A smart way to begin your search is to focus on the diamond first, not the setting. Most reputable jewelers will sell you a loose diamond- one that is not already placed in a setting. Not only is it the beauty of the diamond -- its fire, sparkle and brilliance - that is the wow factor, but it's the diamond that you're really paying for not the setting.

So, when buying diamonds, select a loose stone, and then have it set in any setting she wants. You'll want to choose a diamond of superior cut, clarity and color. But pay close attention to cut. Always ask to see the certification for the diamond you are considering to verify its authenticity. The certification provides you an independent gemological lab's measurement of a diamon's cut, color, clarity and carat weight. You can buy a diamond that is already mounted, but, again, you should demand to know the quality of the diamonds in the piece.

Buying diamonds: Tip #2 - Cut is the most important of the 4Cs

The term "cut" is often used to describe diamond shapes. But this is inaccurate. Cut is actually the craftsmanship applied in cutting the facets of the stone . The artisan attempts to cut a diamond to make the best use of light. Princess cut, emerald cut, round diamonds, etc. are all actually diamond shapes .

When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is refracted from one facet to another, then dispersed through the top of the diamond. When a diamond is cut too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the diamond. If the diamond is cut too shallow, light escapes through the bottom of the stone before it can be reflected.

A well cut diamond is a brilliant diamond . Even a large diamond with superior color can look dull and lifeless if it isn't cut to maximize its natural beauty and brilliance. So when you're shopping for a diamond, remember: Diamond brilliance equates to beauty.

Another way to get the most beautiful and brilliant diamond at the best value is to consider buying a branded diamond - one with a name that has a fine reputation and that assures you a high standard of quality.

Buying diamonds: Tip #3 - Where to buy the most beautiful diamond at the best price

Buying a diamond requires looking, comparing, evaluating, and asking the right questions to make sure you are getting the most beautiful diamond at the best price.

Your best bet is to buy from a respected retail jeweler . It's the surest way to making the right investment and getting the best assurance of quality, value, and service. You can:

• See a wide selection of diamonds for comparison
• Get answers to your questions about each diamond's attributes from a knowledgeable sales associate
• See the certification for each diamond you look at
• Ask for a money-back guarantee
• Develop a relationship with the jeweler that ensures on-going service, such as cleaning and checking to see that the diamond is securely in place in its setting, or upgrades.

Avoid the pitfalls of buying a diamond online

There's a value to looking at online diamond sites, but there's also a clear downside to buying from one - you won't be able to compare the diamonds you are considering side by side, and you cannot see the diamond's characteristics - its fire, sparkle and brilliance - on a computer screen. The real beauty of a stone is tangible and when you compare one diamond with another, as you would at a jewelry store, you can evaluate which diamond you like best.

Here are some ideas for anniversary jewelry she might like. Or you can have a piece of custom designed jewelry created just for her. Not sure exactly what she wants? We have some hints on anniversary gift ideas.