Quick and Easy Buying Guide
Carat weight: 1 carat = 200 milligrams = 6.5 mm diameter. Doubling weight doesn't double diameter.
Diamond clarity: FL/IF/VVS/VS = super expensive, near perfect. SI = best value if you can check a photo for obvious inclusions (defects).
Color: D-G = colorless, expensive, only if you have money to burn. H-J = best value. Can go lower in gold metal settings than white metal.
Cut: Better cut ratings let more light into a diamond, making it sparkle more. Very important property, don't skimp here.
Set a budget and minimum cut (Premium). Go J color for gold and I/H for white metals. Go searching for SI1/SI2 clarity diamonds at James Allen. Pick a diamond with small/no inclusions. Choose a ring setting and buy it risk-free (60-day returns).
Diamonds International The Home of the White Diamond
If you live in Australia, you may have heard one of the many radio advertisements from "Charles Bentley" - the man behind Diamonds International.
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Diamonds International does what the name suggests - they specialize in all types of jewellery involving diamonds. They claim that they guarantee "We won't be beaten on price or quality", although this might be a hard promise to keep when comparing with the large international online diamond retailers.
They offer a "design your own" ring service and can help you design it. Most of their diamonds are GIA certified which is a good thing. They'll value your jewellery so you can get insurance as well.
If you buy a Diamonds International ring, they offer a lifetime of free inspections and cleaning to make sure it always has the best sparkle possible.
