Are you looking to buy diamonds but don’t know where to start? Worry not! We have come up with these 6# important steps to assist you in buying the best diamond within your price range. 

This guide will also indicate how each characteristic affects a diamond’s appearance and price.

Effect on diamond appearance 

– How much this diamond characteristic improves the diamond’s 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) 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 and oval. 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 are 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 for diamonds; without it, a 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 a ‘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.

Diamond Clarity

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 Colour

Effect on diamond appearance: Medium

Effect on diamond price: High

6) Diamond Light Performance

Effect on diamond appearance: High

Effect on diamond price: None

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

Light Performance is the precise grading of the diamond’s interaction with light which allows us to understand a diamond’s beauty and helps us find the best fit for us based on price range and visual preference (bright and sparkly). 

Only diamonds with Ultimate 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 & Sarine).

LUMOS by ZCOVA Diamonds is our complimentary service which ensures our customers receive the best diamond in the industry.

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!