Help sheet for the purchase of your diamond

We must admit it. Buying a diamond for an engagement ring, or for any important jewel, is not that simple. Not only is it a major purchase, but it's also a key decision because you want everything to be perfect - the style, the carat weight, the flare. Most clients take three months to find the perfect ring. Although we cannot make the process faster, we can simplify it. Here are the tips our diamond experts share with their friends… now available to you.

1. Set a budget that works for you.

Forget the old advice about spending three months' pay. We have beautiful engagement ring options for all pockets and styles.

• Our diamond experts do not work with commissions.
• Argyle diamond investment's philosophy is to help you make the most of your budget.
• We create each ring with love and in a traditional way, and that has nothing to do with the price.

2. Be a master of the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat.

Knowing the 4Cs is essential to get the most out of your budget. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, you can always chat, talk on the phone, or email our diamond and jewelry experts. They are experts in separating fact from fiction and guiding you through all the aspects that must be taken into account.

3. Trust what you see.

Decide where to spend your money, and where to save it, prioritizing what you see first.

• A good cut diamond reflects light to the fullest and emits a sparkle that you can see from across the room.
• To appreciate color, you must get closer, three to six feet away.
• The highest purity grades are noticeable only at a distance of six to eight inches.

4. Prioritize size.

Cut is the most important of the 4Cs - the better the cut, the brighter your diamond will shine.

• We offer four grades of carving: good, very good, ideal and Astor ideal.
• 67% of our customers choose an ideal size to obtain maximum flare.
• A poor cut (too shallow or too deep) can make a diamond without inclusions appear dull.

5. Put purity in perspective.

Most diamonds have small imperfections that can only be seen at 10x magnification. For example, SI grades have inclusions, but they still look great to the naked eye.

• Diamonds can have internal or external imperfections.
• The purity grading scale ranges from SI2-SI1 (with small inclusions) to FL (no inclusions).
• A good place to start looking and maxing out your budget is in SI2 and SI1 grade diamonds.
• Weight affects purity; If your diamond weighs less than two carats, opt for VS2.

6. Look at nearly colorless diamonds instead of totally colorless.

The absence of color is the least common and therefore the most expensive feature.

• Argyle diamonds investments range from grade K (light color) to D (colorless).
• For great value and quality, start your search with a G or H grade (almost colorless).
• Different precious metals affect the way the diamond color is perceived. Choose your crimps with this in mind.

7. Weigh the pros and cons of the higher carat weight.

While you may have a specific carat weight in mind, a higher weight is not always appropriate. Is it important that the stone I buy is of a precise carat weight? Or would you be happy with a diamond that "looks" like a weight?

• Carat refers to weight, not size.
• Prices increase exponentially as carat weight increases.
• A good place to start your search is in VS2 diamonds (with very small inclusions).
• Carat weight is relative to finger size, setting size, and diamond shape. Sometimes lower carat weights are the right choice.

8. Take a look at fancy-cut diamonds.

Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular, but don't rule out the other shapes. All diamonds that are not round are called “fancy”. Fancy diamonds look larger and cost less than round diamonds of similar carat weight.

• There are 9 fancy shapes: princess, emerald, Asscher, cushion, marquise, radiant, oval, pear and heart.
• Why are round ones the most expensive? It is complicated but, in short, it is due to the established size standards. The round shape of diamonds is the only one with GIA-designated cut parameters. There are also exact standards for fancy diamonds, but they were defined by our expert jewelers rather than the GIA.

9. Buy "less" to save big.

Diamond prices rise dramatically as full or half carats are completed. Buying "under" is a good way to maximize your money.

• The visual difference between 0.9 and 1.0 carats is minimal.
• Argyle diamonds investments offers a wide selection of diamonds at unconventional weights, much larger than you might find at a smaller independent jeweler.

10. Examine the documents.

It's a major purchase, so you'll want to know that what you're buying is authentic, natural, and from conflict-free areas. We have always sold high-quality diamonds sourced from conflict-free zones and we wouldn't do it any other way.

• The highest quality natural diamonds are always independently certified.
• Make sure the diamond comes with a GIA (American Gemological Institute) grading report.

11. Get the right warranties and don't stress.

Preparing for a marriage proposal is not easy and the importance of having the right ring is crucial. The last thing you need to do is deal with the fine print. Don't worry, we'll take care of it.

• Ask about our price match guarantee.
• We pride ourselves on our low prices and high value, but if you find a comparable GIA grade diamond at a price lower than ours, we will match it.
• Plus, shipping is free.

12. Trust your instincts. Don't buy anything under pressure. Never.

You must be absolutely happy with your choice of diamond. Without guilt. Propose with a ring that you know she will love; it will fill you with confidence.