Selecting a Diamond Within Your Budget

There are four factors diamond experts consider when valuing a diamond. They are Cut, Color, Carat Weight and Clarity. These four factors add up to the final cost of the diamond. Which is the most important factor for you to consider? Most experts believe the cut and proportion are the most important factors in determining a diamond's value. They are what give the diamond its sparkle and brilliance. That is why we only sell good or better cut diamonds, not cheap diamonds that have no luster. The brilliant shine from our expertly cut diamonds will add sparkle to your life for eternity. That being said, you will need to consider the other factors when choosing your diamond and we have included a brief summary below.

The color of the diamond is not as important as long as the person wearing it, likes it!

Diamond color is graded on a lettered scale from D to Z, D being the least presence of color or the whitest. It is also the most expensive white color because very few diamonds will receive this high grade. Diamonds in the D to J range are all considered colorless or near colorless without any noticeable traces of yellow. Diamonds that are graded K color and darker are less expensive and will begin to shown some yellow tinge of color.

Remember, that it is very hard even for a professional to detect the differences in color in the D-F range. This is especially true when the diamond is placed in a setting. If you are looking for a more affordable diamond consider diamonds in the d-j range will look even whiter in a white gold or platinum setting-the whiteness of the diamond is reflected in the white metal and any yellow tint is diminished. Yellower diamonds darker than k will appear whiter in a yellow mounting. The yellow gold color of the setting masks the yellow tint of the diamond and makes it look whiter. To ensure that are diamonds are among the best colors, Danforth Diamond does not offer any loose certified diamond below the color grade of J.

Details on Diamond Color

Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the greater the per-carat price of the diamond. Carat is a unit of weight not of size. One carat is equal to 100 points or 1/5 of a gram. So if a stone weighs 25 points it is equal to 25/100 of a carat which means ¼ carat.

Approximate millimeter diameters and corresponding carat weights for well-made rounds:

11.75mm 6.00 cts	11.10mm 5.00 cts	10.30mm 4.00 cts	9.85mm 3.50 cts	9.35mm 3.00 cts	8.80mm 2.50 cts

8.50mm 2.14 cts	8.20mm 2.00 cts	8.00mm 1.87 cts	7.80mm 1.75 cts	7.60mm 1.65 cts	7.40mm 1.50 cts

7.20mm 1.40 cts	7.00mm 1.25 cts	6.80mm 1.12 cts	6.50mm 1.00 ct	6.20mm .87 ct	5.90mm .75 ct

5.55mm .65 cts	5.15mm .50 ct	4.68mm .40 cts	4.10mm .25 ct	3.25mm .12 ct	2.58mm .08 ct

Any Danforth Diamond is beautiful and a great value but a larger one can mean the difference between a less expensive engagement ring and a more costly one. Your budget and styling preferences will help you decide on a ring that has a smaller center stone with several smaller stones on the side, or a larger solitary diamond.

Details on Diamond Carat

Avoid I1, I2, and I3 clarity diamonds for an engagement ring. They may be cheaper diamonds, but the flaws can be visible to your eye without aid of magnification. In general, it is preferable to purchase engagement ring stones with a clarity grade of SI2 or better.

Clarity is the purchasing factor that can be "stretched the farthest" when choosing a diamond. Most better quality diamonds do have some imperfections, but they are not visible to the unaided or "naked" eye, and are even less noticeable after the stone is set in your mounting.

Some may even prefer some flaws as they add personality, character, and individuality to your stone. Consider the lower qualities for earrings and pendants, which are generally admired from a further distance than an engagement ring.

Details on Diamond Clarity