When purchasing a diamond, whether it is for an engagement or wedding ring or for sheer indulgence, there are about 13 different factors that usually affect the value of the diamonds you may choose from. Often, you will hear about the "4 C's regarding the selection of a diamond ring. This is the most common way to go about choosing the best type of diamonds for your piece of jewelry.

Before embarking on this diamond-selecting journey, you should set budget limitations or you might become heartbroken when you fall in love with a particular option and find that it is way out of your realm of possibility. For a more valuable diamond that fully embraces the 4 C's (cut, clarity, color and caret weight), you should expect to pay a considerable amount of money.

1) Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to the shape, as well as the make of a diamond, which is how well the diamond has been constructed in regards to polish and its proportions. Today, there are numerous shapes to choose from that allows a wide range of personal expression and preference. While there are a few rare shapes to select, the most common diamond cuts are round, pear, oval, emerald, marquise, princess, radiant and heart-shaped. When explaining the make of a diamond, jewelers will refer the symmetry and table percentage, as well as the depth percentage of the gem.

2) Diamond Color

The highest quality of diamond is presented in a colorless diamond. The more color that a diamond has, the less rare it is considered, as seen with yellow shades of these gems. Today, it is becoming more and more acceptable to choose a colorful diamond, such as shades of pink or blue, which go against the traditional appeal of a colorless specimen.

3) Diamond Clarity

Since diamonds are a natural entity, no two diamond rings will be exactly the same. This only intensifies the allure of making the perfect diamond ring purchase, knowing that you will possess something that no one else has. All diamonds offer varying degrees of clarity that are marked by how clear and flawless they appear. When a diamond has more inclusions, it will cost less. To normal eyesight, it will still appear brilliant, but to the microscope and jewelers perception, it is a different story and is reflected in the price of the diamond ring.

4) Diamond Weight

We've all heard of them and it is a common question: "How many carets is this ring?" When a diamond ring buyer inquires about the number of carets in a diamond, they are making reference to the weight of the gem. To purchase a large diamond, you would have a diamond that is quite rare. This is shown in the price of a diamond ring that highlights a 2-caret gem versus a ring that has two 1-caret stones set in the center.

Purchasing a Diamond Ring

The quality of the diamond in a diamond ring will either increase or decrease the value of the selection, but may still appeal to the visual senses of a buyer. This is fine, but with whatever selection you choose, dealing with a reputable jeweler is a must. This is especially suggested when buying a diamond ring for an engagement or wedding ring that is meant to stand the test of time. In any event, knowing the ins and outs of the 4 C's will make you a well-prepared shopper when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond setting.