How to Buy a Great Diamond

The Four C's

How much should I spend?

Ten Steps to Buying a Great Diamond

The Four C's

1.  Cut - Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.  Light reflects off numerous mirror-like facets.  That light is then reflected through the top of the stone.  A well-cut diamond is brilliant, sparkly and fiery.

2.  Color - Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.  The absolute finest colorless stone carries a D rating, descending through each letter of the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray.  Some rare colors are blue, pink, and fancy yellow.

3.  Clarity - Diamonds with few flaws, or inclusions, are rare and highly valued. Diamonds have clarity characteristics, including internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities, called blemishes. Clarity is the relative absence of these clarity characteristics. To determine a diamond's clarity, an expert views it under 10 power magnification.

FL, IF Diamonds: Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.

VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds: Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.

VS1, VS2 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1, SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. A good diamond value.

4.  Carat - Most people compare carat weight to size. The larger the diamond the more it weighs. The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.  When making your selection, consider the recipient's style, the size of her finger, and your budget.  Talk with your Buchwald advisor to find the best combination of size, quality, and price. Keep in mind that a diamond will look larger on the hand of someone who wears a size 4 ring that it will on someone who wears a size 7 ring. 

How much should I spend?

Buying an engagement ring is one of the most exciting purchases you will ever make!  At Buchwald's, You will get more for your investment and you can feel good that you purchased the highest quality diamond for the money.  Our experts can help you balance quality with your budget until you have found your perfect diamond.  It is only natural to feel a bit of pressure - this is a big deal - but our years of experience will soon put you at ease. 

A well-known guideline for purchasing an engagement ring is to spend two months' salary.  But that is only a guide.  It is up to you to find your perfect diamond that will make you feel good about the quality AND the price.

10 Steps to Buying a Great Diamond

1.   Contact Buchwald in Suite 123 in the Seybold Building located in Downtown Miami.  One of Florida's most prestigious jewelers since 1932.  Come in person, call toll free, or email us.

2.   Take advantage of the free valet parking located at the Seybold Arcade Entrance, 36 N.E. 1st Street. 

3.  Explore 1000's of diamonds, while you contemplate the four C's of purchasing a great diamond.

4 .  Learn about Cut - A well-cut diamond offers the greatest brilliance and the greatest value.  The better the cut, by a master craftsman, the greater the brilliance and value of the diamond.

5.  Consider the Color - The more pure the color, the more rare the diamond.   For white diamonds, colorless is the most valuable.  Colored diamonds are also highly prized in shades of pink, yellow, blue and green.

6.  Seek the Clarity - the more pure the diamond, the more brilliant, rare and valuable it is.  Most Buchwald diamonds are accompanied by GIA certificates.   Let a Buchwald professional gemologist show you our entire collection.

7.  Choose the Carat - A diamond's size is measured by carat weight - the larger the diamond, the more valuable it is.  Diamonds of equal carat weight vary in value depending on the qualities of cut, clarity and color.

8.  Gain Confidence - The diamond experts at Buchwald will guide you through a wide selection of classic shapes that include Round, Oval, Pear, Marquise, Princess, Heart and Emerald.

9.  Buy the best diamond you can afford.  But remember, a diamond is only a truly great diamond if you got it at a great price.

10.  At Buchwald, you will find your great diamond, amid a sea of fine jewelry and watches.  The largest selection at the greatest prices.