Many people, when shopping for loose diamonds in San Diego, do not know what they should be looking for. Many also fear they are being ripped off or not getting the quality of diamond they asked for. Do not worry, you are not alone. It is easy to shop for loose diamonds as long as you have some simple background knowledge beforehand, which is where this loose diamond buying guide can help.

If you choose to buy loose diamonds, it is imperative you buy certified! Do not purchase any diamonds that do not have a certificate. The certificate will give important information; and remember, this is not the same thing as an appraisal. The certificate will ensure you have a proof of purchase as well as a description of what your diamond is.

Second to buying certified, it is always important to remember the Four C’s when purchasing loose gems. The Four C’s are cut, clarity, carat, and color.

Cut refers to the size and depth of the stone. The size is the measurement of the width of the entire stone. The depth is the measurement of length, from the top of the gem down to its point. These measurements should be listed on your certificate, so you can use this for comparison. Remember, if your diamond is too wide or too long, it will not catch as much light and will therefore appear dull.

Clarity of a diamond is also important; it is best to buy VS Clarity. It is also a good idea to have your jeweler show you several different clarity types under a microscope. By seeing the difference with your own eyes, you will be able to make a better choice.

Before you go to buy your gem, you should know what size carat you want. Half carat, three fourths carat, and one carat are all good choices; it really depends on what you are looking for. If you do not know what size you want, a three fourths carat is always a great choice. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can always buy bigger than one carat.

The last C you should consider is color. The color ratings E and F are good choices if you want your stone to really shine. These are colorless diamonds and reflect the light much better than other diamonds.

Before you go shopping for diamonds, it is important to know what you are looking for. Do your research first and do not be afraid to ask the jeweler to show you several different kinds so you can make the best decision.