Buying jewelry
How to buy a Diamond
How to buy a Diamond
Imperial Gem Lab’s jewelry Quality Analysis Report and photography service will facilitate your quest to realize the best return for your jewelry. Although we do not buy or sell jewelry, our advice and services will help you save time and effort for a task that at times, can seem daunting.
Book Diamond AppraisalUnderstand the 4Cs of Diamond Quality
In most diamonds, the term actually refers to the absence of color. The less color in the stone, the more desirable and valuable it is. Some of these differences are not visible to the naked eye, but directly impact the overall quality and price of the stone.
Measures the amount, size and placement of internal ‘inclusions,’ and external ‘blemishes.’ Grades run from ‘Flawless,’ with virtually no imperfections, to ‘Included,’ which contain a significant number of imperfections.
Does not refer to a diamond’s shape, but to the proportion and arrangement of its facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut. Grades range from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Poor.’
Refers to a diamond’s weight. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone. Two diamonds of equal carat weight, however, can have very different quality and price when the other three Cs are considered.
A diamond grading report from an unbiased, scientific source such as GIA is more than important information, it’s proof of what you are purchasing. The differences in diamonds can be so subtle, even a trained jeweller can’t recognize them without lab verification. Insist that any diamond you buy come with an indisputable verification of its quality.
More Info on Diamond grading