Not everyone is willing to spend months researching diamonds before they pull the trigger. I completely get that. After she gives you the “yes” you’re probably done diamond shopping for a while.

Last night while finalising an updated version of our extremely well received “Buying A Diamond Like a Diamond Dealer” ebook I realised that the whole ebook (25 pages) could be condensed into a 1-pager. No intricate details, just recommendations drawing on decades of diamond industry knowledge. Challenge accepted.

Diamond basics are very easy to grasp and can save you from buying a compromised or overpriced diamond.

• A round diamond is your safest bet. It’s the most popular shape – but also the priciest.
• Cushion cut diamonds offer the best value. A 1,00ct cushion will cost you +/-30% less than a 1,00ct round diamond. It’s also the 2nd most popular shape, and my personal favourite.
• Before I give you my recommendation on specifications, please ensure the diamond has been properly graded by the GIA (1st choice), DIA or HRD. If a diamond has been over-graded (further reading here) this “cheat-sheet” is close to useless.

Diamond specifications are graded using the 4C model;

1st “C” – Cut grade: This refers to the quality of the polishing and manufacturing of the diamond. Cut is the most important of the 4C’s – Very Good (VG) or Excellent Cut (EX) is non-negotiable. Poorly-cut diamonds look bland and unappealing. (Further reading here)

2nd “C” – Colour: Expressed as an alphabet letter ranging from D (whitest of white) to Z (prominently yellow or brown). When surveyed 60% ladies prefer a diamond that looks “white”. If you stick to “I” colour or higher (D-I) – that’s anyone’s white. Tip (more tips here): J and K colours appear surprisingly high to 95% of people. Come and take a look! Most diamond colour charts on the internet are horrible. This is the most accurate I could find;

3rd “C” – Clarity: This refers to the amount/grade of impurities in a diamond. Seeing a tiny impurity in a stone bugs 34% of ladies. If your female counterpart isn’t too fussy “SI1 and better” is your line. If she’s (can I say “fussy”?) very particular, has OCD, the diamond is larger than 1ct or you just don’t want to take a gamble stick to “VS2 and better”. They will be 100% eye-clean. Clarity charts are also quite misleading on the internet. This is the most accurate depiction – but still exagerated;

4th “C” – Carat/Size: Set your budget. Stay within the parameters mentioned above and optimise the size.

Fluorescence is mostly a non-event, BUT it can make a diamond appear milky or cloudy. We go out of our way to ensure all our diamonds are crystal clear. 

To browse our current diamond recommendations and specials you can visit: http://content.poggenpoel.com/diamondspecials 

Any Questions? You’re more than welcome to email me directly on johan@poggenpoel.com

That was quick!

Johan Poggenpoel