Right at the outset, decide how much you’re willing to spend on your sparkler and be ready to flex that range by 10 – 20 %.
The next most important deciding factor is the size. Ask yourself what size would satisfy you while keeping in mind that cost and size are directly proportionate. Expect to spend approximately $4,000 on a 1- carat diamond.
Choose your favorite from among the ten basic shapes available and you’re set to start shopping…online. This form of shopping is easier not only because there are many dependable diamond vendors on the internet but also because online shopping makes it possible for you to browse through results pulled up on the basis of your specifications related to price, size, shape, color, clarity and cut.
Find out details about clarity, color and cut as these variables also affect the final price. In terms of clarity, you can choose from seven grades ranging from those with visible flaws to diamonds that appear flawless even when magnified under a 10x lens. Each grade upward adds 10% to the cost. Similarly, you’ll find colors ranging from light yellow (Z) to colorless (D) with each upward color grade resulting in an addition of 5 – 10% to the cost. The cut also influences the price but in a far less predictable manner as compared to clarity and color.
Narrow your choice limits by further deciding on the clarity and color ranges that you prefer. Then search for diamonds within your size specifications. If you find the results to be well within your budget, increase the clarity and color grades and search again.
Now further narrow down your options by decreasing the color and clarity range within your shape and size range. It’s then time to take into account such factors as the quality of cut, polish and symmetry which are far less obvious to predict. At the end of this you’ll be left with about 30 or fewer diamonds to choose from. Try size, clarity and color combination’s of these until you find the one you’re looking for.

Online shopping drawbacks:

Online shopping makes it difficult to correctly judge the difference in color and clarity scales. It is therefore advised that you make a trip to a local store to see for yourself the different grades and the level of distinction between each scale before you decide upon or select these variables during your online session. Compare, for instance, the clarity difference between an SI2 and VS1.
While you might be able to select your diamond based on your specifications online, expect to pay more at a diamond jewelry store.
At times diamonds are put through laser, heat and filler processes to reduce visible flaws. Make sure you check your certificate to see if yours has undergone any such treatment.

Tip:

Lastly, keep in mind that diamonds are known to be birthstones for people born in the month of April. But don’t let that keep you from buying your own.

It’s easy to attribute the special place diamonds have carved for themselves, to their beauty and exclusivity. But those aren’t the only noteworthy reasons. Known for being the second most stable form of Carbon – after graphite – diamonds hold the distinction of being the hardest mineral to occur naturally on our planet. The fact that they are virtually scratch-proof makes them most suited as jewelry.

Geographically speaking, diamonds are only found either at meteor collision sites or in the lithospheric mantle found below secure and fixed continent plates. They’re brought into existence when Carbon molecules are subjected to conditions of high pressure and temperatures – which in these spots are considered to be relatively ‘cool’ – in the above mentioned locations.

Diamonds found at meteor craters are formed as a result of the collision of space debris which generates high pressure and temperatures. Such diamonds are very small sized and are referred to as micro or nanodiamonds. Their miniature size make them unfit to qualify for GIA diamond rings.

Both Diamonds and Graphite are referred to as Allotropes of Carbon. Allotropes are chemical substances which originate when the atoms of a chemical element bond in patterns that aren’t regular. In this regard, they are similar to Isotopes which are atoms of chemical elements with a different number of neutrons.

Though diamonds are known for their rare occurrence on Earth, it is believed that they may be very common on other planets with severe conditions. Take for instance the planet of Neptune where the intense atmospheric pressure results in perfect allotrope formations of Carbon molecules. Space scientists postulate that tiny diamond crystals hang suspended in the very atmosphere of the planet – certainly a dream-come-true for those diamond fans or youngsters planning on committing with a diamond ring.

Volcanic activity pushes most diamonds closer to the Earth’s surface where they are then mined. But some diamonds are said to have been brought from space by impacting asteroids. Such diamonds are formed from supernovas and in white dwarf stars with cores of crystallized Carbon and Oxygen. Scientists have confirmed their existence by identifying one such stone in space, deemed as a 2500 mile wide diamond!

The various colors seen in diamonds are caused by the presence of impurities – yellow and brown colors by Nitrogen, green by irradiation and pink, red and brown by physical deformation, also referred to as plastic deformation.

The origins of the impressive Black or ‘Carbonado’ diamonds, though, are yet to be found. The many theories put forward have, (as of 2008), yet to include an acceptable explanation. Occurring in Africa and South America, these Carbonado diamonds have to pass the Kimberley Process Certification to be considered as non-conflict diamonds.

The many facets of a diamond, when cut by an expert, glitter brilliantly, and dazzle everyone. This happens because the different facets act as prisms, refracting the white light that hits them and separating it into the myriad colors found in the visible spectrum. Now you know why diamonds sparkle in so many different colors though they appear to be clear.