Planning to purchase your first diamond?

We’ve got just the guy to keep in mind before you sign along the dotted line.

It’s no secret that South Africa is renowned for its brilliant diamonds, and together with other mineral resources, they’ve been the lifeblood of our economy since discovery. The question remains- what’s your perfect fit, and how does what you like potentially fit into your budget?

Purchasing diamonds or a ring for your beloved involves both emotional and financial investment. In the 21st century, it also comes with countless choices, custom styles and available designs. We decided the best starting point would be to consult someone in the know… Enter Cape Diamonds.

Suppose you are someone looking to buy a loose diamond or an engagement ring but unsure where to start. In that case, entrepreneur Joel Graham, founder and owner of Cape Diamonds, will introduce you to the world of precious stones in all their sparkling glory and educate you on all their charming intricacies. His team will provide advice on everything you need to consider and get the best deal whilst ensuring you’re still supporting ethical practices. Keep reading or set up a free consultation to learn more.

Top tips for first-time diamond buyers:

Do some research on your diamond distributor/agent

After twenty years of research in the diamond market and sourcing the highest quality stones at the most affordable prices, The Cape Diamonds team successfully advises all their clients on how to go about purchasing a diamond – from the various types of diamonds available to understanding precisely what you’re looking for regarding size, cut, colour and clarity.

Check for things like whether they’re registered with The Jewellery Council of South Africa and have a Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) account.

Know your cuts

With so many options on offer, the cut and diamond shape you’re after is very much linked to one’s taste and preference. Over the past few years, Cape Diamonds reports that round-cut diamonds seem to be the most popular, followed by oval and princess-cut diamonds.

Another helpful tip to be aware of is that cushion-cut diamonds generally have the least amount of wastage or off-cuts when polished from the rough diamond stone due to the nature of a raw diamond’s crystal, similar to the cushion-cut diamond‘s shape. This means you pay less for a 1ct cushion-cut diamond than other 1ct diamond shapes.

Understand the value of the diamond

A popular belief is that the bigger the carat size, the more valuable the diamond. This is simply not true. You can purchase a 3-carat diamond with inclusions that lower the value to less than a 2-carat flawless diamond. It depends entirely on what is important to you. Some people prefer quality oversize. Make

sure your reseller values the diamond according to the GIA colour grade scale when choosing a diamond. Remember that the price of a diamond is influenced by all the ‘4 Cs’- cut, colour, clarity, and carat size.

Certification is key

First and foremost, the most important thing for you to consider is the diamond GIA certificate. This is essentially a certificate from a laboratory that has analysed the stone carefully to determine whether it is indeed a natural diamond and, secondly, to determine the inherent value of the stone.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) produces the most trusted certificates in the diamond industry. This non-profit organisation is internationally known for its high-quality diamond grading laboratories that contain the most sophisticated equipment to ensure an accurate and honest certificate. All GIA-certified diamonds sold by Cape Diamonds contain a unique serial number laser-etched onto the gemstone’s girdle linking them to their unique certificate. Good to know – Diamonds sold by other dealers may not have serial numbers, or diamonds you find sold on the internet can have fake certificates.

Found the one… Now what?

Understanding the process helps to fully grasp the value of your diamond and the investment you are about to make. It takes around 250 tons of rock mining to produce a single carat diamond. The machinery, time-intensive labour, and post-production of cutting and polishing all justify diamonds’ expense and value. For at-home care, remember to have your diamond cleaned regularly to maintain optimal shine. You can have this done at a professional jeweller or do it yourself at home using warm water, Sunlight liquid and a soft toothbrush. When you are not wearing your ring, having a dedicated ring box to store it in ensures prolonged shine.