Have no clue about diamonds and how to start? Not a problem! Here is a beginner’s guide on how to pick the best diamond for your price range. Make sure you check for #7 before you buy your next diamond!

We have also noted down how each characteristic affects the diamond appearance and price.

Effect on diamond appearance – How much this diamond characteristic improves the diamond appearance
Effect on diamond price – How much this diamond characteristic affects the diamond price

High effect on diamond appearance + Low effect on diamond price = Best Value

#1 Choose your diamond shape

Effect on diamond appearance: Low
Effect on diamond price: High

Round brilliant is the most sought after diamond shape for an engagement ring, but new brides are exploring alternative shapes such as cushion or oval shape. The latter are more unique and they can get a higher specification for the same price since the price of fancy shape diamonds is lower.

#2 Carat Weight

Effect on diamond appearance: High
Effect on diamond price: High

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat = 0.2 grams and one carat equals 100 points.

Carat weight is the most important and noticeable of the 4Cs. Not sure how many carats is enough? Give us your price range instead and we’ll recommend the best diamond specifications without compromising on its quality.

#3 Triple Excellent Cut

Effect on diamond appearance: High
Effect on diamond price: High

A diamond’s cut grade is how well its facets interact with light. It is the beauty factor of diamonds; without it the diamond will look dull and dark. Hence, we only offer Triple Excellent (Cut, Symmetry & Polish) at ZCOVA. This grade is also referred to and branded as ‘super ideal cut diamond’ in the retail market.

#4 Diamond Clarity

Effect on diamond appearance: Low
Effect on diamond price: Medium

Clarity refers to the inclusions and blemishes in the diamond.

We advise customers to choose diamonds between Internally Flawless ( IF ) and VS2 clarity to balance between clarity and price. Inclusions in this range are eye clean and table clean.

Internally Flawless ( IF ) –  Does not have any inclusions in the diamond

VVS1 and VVS2 – Very very slightly included; the inclusions are the size of a speck of dust

VS1 and VS2 – Very slightly included, but the inclusions are only visible under 10x magnifications or more

#5 Diamond Color

Effect on diamond appearance: Medium
Effect on diamond price: High

F color – To the untrained eye, D/E/F are almost identical; F color is good enough unless you would like to invest in a more colorless diamond.

G & H color – While the slight yellowness can be seen when compared side-by-side with a D/E/F diamond, it’s almost unnoticeable by itself. G & H diamonds are a good balance between color and value.

#6 Diamond Fluorescence

Effect on diamond appearance: Medium
Effect on diamond price: High

Most brands do not talk about diamond fluorescence. Some diamonds emit a bluish or yellowish light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays like the sun or fluorescent lamps. Strong fluorescence may result in a milky appearance with diamond color ranges from D-H colour, whereas it may improve the color appearance for colour ranges from I-M. We only offer diamonds without fluorescence at ZCOVA.

On the left, a group of seven diamonds under daylight-equivalent illumination. On the right, the same diamonds fluorescing under long-wave UV illumination. Photo: Kevin Schumacher/GIA

#7 Diamond Brilliance

Effect on diamond appearance: High
Effect on diamond price: None

The 2nd thing most people notice after Carat is Brilliance. Diamonds with the exact same 4C specs can have different levels of brilliance. We use GemEx Light Performance (Brilliance, Fire & Sparkle) to determine how brilliant a diamond is.

RELATED: What is GemEx Diamond Light Performance Certification

Only diamonds with High to Very High Light Performance are selected to be LUMOS by ZCOVA Diamonds to ensure they have exceptional quality and superior brilliance. ZCOVA is the only online brand in Malaysia & Singapore to offer dual certificates (GIA & GemEx).

LUMOS by ZCOVA Diamonds don’t cost extra or incur any additional costs, because this is a service we provide to ensure our customers receive the best diamond in the industry.

RELATED: About LUMOS by ZCOVA Diamonds

Need assistance to choose your diamond or engagement ring? Speak to our GIA graduate gemologist to choose your LUMOS by ZCOVA Diamond or drop us a message on our Facebook page!