What are the basic things I need to know before I start shopping for a diamond?

Answer: Before you even begin looking for a diamond, educate yourself about the 4Cs so you understand how to juggle these characteristics to achieve a high-budget look at a reasonable price. CutAngles and proportions of a diamondThe cut of a diamond reflects the way in which the diamond is proportioned, angled and faceted such that it best reflects light, resulting in maximum brilliance. A high quality cut (that comprises of balanced proportions, perfect angles, symmetrical facets and well polished surface) enhances the innate beauty of a diamond and increases its value. The ‘Very Good’ and ‘Good’ cut grades offer great quality stones reasonably priced as compared to the ‘Ideal’ / ‘Excellent’ cut grades.Learn more... ClarityPresence of inclusions in a diamondAll diamonds have identifying characteristics or inclusions, most of which are not visible to the naked eye. Small inclusions neither scar a diamond’s beauty not endanger its durability. To view a diamond’s clarity, the diamond is closely viewed under 10x magnifying loupe. The ‘Very Slightly Included’ (VS1, VS2) and ‘Slightly Included’ (SI1, SI2) grades represent stones that have a fine balance of quality and cost, making these stones a value for money purchase.Learn more...