7 Factors to consider when choosing the right diamond

Whether for an engagement ring or a pair of earrings, purchasing a diamond is not a decision to be made in a hurry. In fact, before setting out in search of your dream diamond, it is wise to take the time to learn more about this precious stone and how to protect it.

Here are some things to consider before purchasing a diamond:

Know the four Cs.

The quality of a diamond is measured by the four C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat. Which feature is most important and why?

Cut  is the most important characteristic to consider when choosing a diamond, as it has the most impact on the brilliance and sparkle or sparkle of the stone. When a diamond is cut in the right proportions, light reflection is optimized, producing the desired sparkle. Even a diamond with perfect clarity and color looks dull if it doesn’t have the right cut.

Color , or rather the absence of color, is the second most important characteristic among the four. In fact, the less colored a diamond is, the higher its value. Perfectly colorless diamonds are very rare and only specialists can see the subtle color differences between stones. That’s why you should check out the GIA color scale, which uses letters from D (colorless) to Z (gray, yellow, or light brown) to grade diamonds. From the letter M, the color yellow, brown or light gray becomes visible to the naked eye.

Clarity  refers to imperfections and impurities on the surface or interior of stones, which can be microscopic and almost impossible to see with the naked eye. Although the most prized diamonds are those with the fewest flaws and inclusions, these impurities do not always affect the appearance and overall beauty of a diamond.

Carat  refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size. In fact, a high carat, poor cut diamond will appear smaller than a low carat, excellent cut diamond. To get the most value with your budget, look for a diamond with a carat weight just below a standard measurement, such as a 1.9 rather than 2.0 carat diamond. This way you will save money and you won’t even see the difference.

Do business with a jewelry expert.

Be selective when choosing a jeweler. Look for a gemologist who is GIA-certified and affiliated with jewelry industry groups and trade associations. If you have difficulty choosing, your independent insurance broker is there to help you.

Request a classification report.

For an objective assessment of a diamond’s quality, request a grading report from your jeweler. This report lists the specific characteristics of the gemstone, including the four Cs and the origin (natural or synthetic), as well as the treatments or alterations it has undergone to change color or clarity. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the most popular service and sets consistent standards for diamond grading and identification, so request a GIA grading report.

Protect your purchase.

Have your jewelry appraised and insured. Choose valuables insurance offering international all-risk protection which includes unexplained disappearances and which automatically covers new acquisitions. Have your jewelry reappraised from time to time to ensure your insurance is up to date and reflects current values. Meet with your jeweler every year so they can clean your jewelry and examine whether its prongs and clasps have become loose.

Sources:

Canadian Institute of Gemmology (in English)

The 4 Cs of diamond quality (in English)

Tips for buying a diamond (in English)

GIA grading report

This document is provided for information purposes only and is intended to complement the support of your professional insurance advisors in setting up a prevention program. It provides a simple overview and cannot replace consultation with your insurance broker or legal, professional or engineering advice.

The Chubb trading name refers to the subsidiaries of Chubb Limited that provide insurance and related services. To view a list of these subsidiaries, visit our website at  https://chubb.com/ca-fr . Insurance is provided by Chubb Insurance Company of Canada or Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (collectively, “Chubb of Canada”). Products are not necessarily available in all provinces or territories. This communication is only a summary of the products. The actual guarantee is governed by the wording of the insurance contract issued.