If you’re ready to start shopping for the ideal diamond ring, there are some key things you should know before you go. After all, you won’t feel overwhelmed if you arrive well-prepared. 

For the finest jewelry selection in the Kalispell, MT, area, you can always rely on Coins & Carats. Since 1991, they’ve been the area’s one-stop shop for finding that one-of-a-kind engagement ring, the perfect pair of earrings, and so much more.

These local experts share their top tips for diamond ring shopping to help you make the most of your experience.

Everything You Need to Know About Shopping for a Diamond Ring

The four C’s of diamonds are color, cut, clarity, and carat—keep each in mind while out on the hunt. 

Color

If you want a gorgeous engagement ring, seek out a colorless diamond. These are the best on the market, and they’re graded by gem professionals on a scale ranging from D to Z. The best way to judge a diamond is to place it against a white background, making the stone stand out. For reference, diamonds graded from D-F are colorless, while S-Z are a light yellow shade. The higher the grade, the better the diamond. 

Clarity

Clarity is a trait you can judge for yourself at times; it refers to the diamond’s visual traits. These include microscopic blemishes that are impossible to see with the naked eye—it’s graded using 10x magnification so that no spot goes unnoticed. If you want high-quality jewelry, it’s vital that the diamond has a high visual clarity for shiny, sparkling appeal. Clarity ranges from FL (flawless) to IF (internally flawless). A flawless diamond means that there are zero blemishes, even under magnification. They are also graded as I1- I13, which refers to the inclusions in the diamond. A lower grade means you’ll be able to notice visible spots with the naked eye.

Cut

Cut provides your diamond with its sparkle and shine. Even less-than-perfect stones can be made more beautiful with an innovative cut because it reflects the way light enters your diamond ring. For example, with a well-cut diamond light will enter from the top, creating a sparkling sight. It will peek out all sides of the stone for the most gorgeous appearance possible. 

Carat

Carat is the unit of weight that measures your ring. One carat is equivalent to one-fifth of a gram. While rings with more carats are larger in size, it doesn’t mean that they’re any better or more beautiful than their smaller counterparts. Weight doesn’t take color, cut, or clarity into account, so remember that bigger doesn’t always mean better. When you’re seeking a gorgeous ring, all four C’s make a difference.

If you’re ready to start shopping for the perfect diamond ring, turn to the jewelry experts at Coins & Carats. No matter what you’re looking for, they’ll help select the piece that fits both your style preferences and your budget. Visit them online for more information, or call (406) 752-2646 today!