Shopping for diamond jewelry isn’t something you do every day. It’s usually reserved for special occasions such as an engagement, anniversary, or birthday. You may be shopping for your fiancee, looking for the perfect engagement ring. Or maybe you’re shopping for your husband, looking at diamond watches for his birthday. Perhaps you are treating yourself and looking for custom jewelry that you want to show off at an upcoming family gathering. Whatever the occasion, you want to enjoy the experience, but also be well-informed before you decide which jewelry stores you will visit.

How to buy diamonds that you’ll enjoy forever

Begin your search by finding a jeweler who is a credentialed gemologist.. They will be able to provide you with an independent diamond grading report. This report shows whether the diamond is natural or synthetic, and if the diamond has been treated to alter the color or clarity. It will also give you a description of the diamonds 4C’s- carat, clarity, color and cut.

Carat is simply the measure of a diamond’s weight. To get an idea of this, a paper clip weighs about two carats. Clarity refers to the grade of the gem using a scale ranging from flawless to included. Inclusions are unique internal characteristics. The color of a diamond is a term that actually refers to the absence of color. A colorless diamond allows more light to pass through, emitting more sparkle and fire. They are given a grade from D all the way down to Z. Diamonds with a grade of D – F are very rare and expensive. Diamonds from G – I are virtually colorless to the untrained eye and are of exceptional value. A hint of yellow may be evident in diamonds graded J – M, however selecting a mount that complements the stone can minimize this hue. Some say that the final C, the cut, is the most important characteristic. The way that a diamond is cut will determine its brilliance and amount of sparkle. The GIA scale rates a diamond’s cut from Excellent to Poor.

When looking for an engagement ring or jewelry with a solitaire diamond, you’ll want to consider what shape of diamond you prefer. Round is the most popular shape and typically allows for the most flexibility when looking for the cut, color, and clarity you want. Its cut gives the most potential for fire and brilliance which makes it an excellent choice. The princess is square with pointed corners, is one of the more popular fancy shape choices in engagement rings. Another favorite for solitaire rings is the emerald cut. It is rectangular with the pavilion cut to form facets that give its unique optical appearance. Oval, radiant, and marquis are some other shapes to consider. If you want something more unique you may consider a bezel setting. This cool white diamond bezel-set ring can make a beautiful engagement ring or right hand ring.

Jewelry designers in Swansea create exquisite diamond jewelry

Finding the perfect diamond jewelry for you begins with assessing your unique style. Do you like white gold, yellow gold or two-toned? What about colored diamonds or other gemstones? Combining diamonds with other gemstones can give your jewelry a dramatic flair, as in these very sparkly emerald and diamond studs. Another question is whether you prefer single diamonds or multiple? Clusters of diamonds create a constellation of sparkle. These halo diamond cluster earrings drop just below the earlobe and boast 66 round brilliant cut diamonds.

If you have jewelry that you no longer wear because you feel it’s outdated, a great option is to bring it in to be restyled. You can change the setting, add new gemstones or additional diamonds. Pierre Plante of Plante Jewelers is a true artist when it comes to re-designing older pieces into something unique that will suit your personality. You can have earrings redesigned into a cocktail ring. Or several pieces made into a diamond necklace. The options are numerous and you will enjoy the process as you help create something beautiful.

Author's Bio: 

Pierre and Nancy Plante are owners of family-owned Plante Jewelers in Swansea, Massachusetts. The company was founded by Pierre’s grandfather in 1905. The Plantes specialize in custom and designer jewelry. Both Pierre and Nancy have BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degrees. Pierre's focus was sculpture, and he had studied jewelry fabrication, casting, gemstone setting and gemology. The company creates custom designs with the help of an advanced computer-aided-design system, that shows the customer exactly what their custom piece will look like before it's even made.

The Plantes believe that jewelry is more than metal and gems; it is the expression of love and remembrance, something to be cherished by the wearer for many years. They are known for their ability to listen carefully, guide, and respond to the unique desires of a person who wants to surprise a loved one with a special gift - or buy something for themselves that will mark a special occasion. Continuing in the family tradition, their son Marcel now works with them at their store.