What Should I Avoid in Diamonds? A Quick Guide to Making Smart Choices

Diamonds—gorgeous, timeless, and, let’s be honest, a little intimidating when you're looking to buy one, right? Whether it’s for an engagement ring, a gift, or simply as a personal treat, there’s a lot of pressure to make the right choice. But here's the thing: buying a diamond isn't just about finding something sparkly. You’ve got to be aware of the things you should avoid to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. So, let’s talk about what you should steer clear of when shopping for diamonds, because trust me, it's more than just picking the shiniest one!

Overpaying for Poor Quality

Okay, let’s be honest for a second: who hasn’t been swayed by a beautiful display or an overzealous salesperson? I remember chatting with a friend of mine, Mike, who was buying a diamond for his fiancée. He almost got sucked into paying way too much for a stone just because it looked amazing under the showroom lights. But here’s the kicker: there are factors that make up a diamond's value, and you want to make sure you're not overpaying for something that doesn’t justify its price.

The 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, Color

It’s easy to get lost in the 4 Cs, but understanding them will help you avoid making costly mistakes. Let’s break it down:

• Cut: Not the shape, but how well the diamond is cut. A poorly cut diamond, no matter how clear, will look dull.

• Clarity: Look for blemishes or internal flaws. If it’s too flawed, it might not sparkle as much.

• Carat: Bigger doesn’t always mean better. A larger diamond with poor clarity or cut won’t shine as brightly as a smaller, better-cut one.

• Color: Diamonds aren’t always colorless, and the more yellow they are, the cheaper they tend to be.

Understanding these can save you from getting ripped off. You might even find yourself paying a little less and walking away with something that looks just as stunning.

Avoiding Conflict Diamonds

You’ve probably heard of "blood diamonds," and you definitely don’t want to buy one. It’s a tricky situation, and while the industry has made efforts to ensure diamonds come from ethical sources, it's still something to watch out for. Not every diamond is guaranteed to be conflict-free, and you don’t want your purchase to contribute to violence or exploitation in conflict zones.

How to Avoid Buying Conflict Diamonds

• Ask for certification: Always request a certificate from a reputable source like the Kimberley Process. This certifies that the diamond has been ethically sourced.

• Buy from reputable jewelers: Stick to trusted retailers with a transparent sourcing policy. They’ll usually make it clear they avoid conflict diamonds.

I still remember my first time buying a diamond. I didn’t even think about this until a friend of mine brought it up. It made me rethink my whole approach, and I’m glad it did. Doing the right thing feels way better than a shiny rock, no matter how pretty it is.

Ignoring Diamond Treatments

Okay, here's something you may not think about when you're shopping for diamonds: treatments. Yep, diamonds can be treated to improve their color or clarity, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing. The problem is, some diamonds are treated in ways that can affect their durability or lower their value in the long run.

Common Diamond Treatments to Watch Out For

• Laser Drilling: This treatment is done to remove inclusions (flaws) inside the diamond. It’s not necessarily bad, but it can affect the diamond’s value.

• Fracture Filling: This fills cracks or imperfections in the diamond with a glass-like material. Again, it’s not always a deal-breaker, but be aware that it can lower the overall value.

• High-temperature treatments: Used to change the color of the diamond, but sometimes it can be done too aggressively, weakening the stone.

Make sure you're aware of any treatments and how they affect the diamond's quality and value. If in doubt, ask the jeweler for all the details.

Choosing the Wrong Diamond Shape

Shape. It seems like a personal preference thing, right? Well, it is, but here's the catch: some diamond shapes are way more expensive than others due to the cut and waste factor.

Popular Diamond Shapes and Their Costs

• Round: The most popular and, unfortunately, the most expensive. The cutting process results in a lot of diamond waste.

• Princess: A popular square cut. It looks modern and can be less expensive than round diamonds.

• Emerald and Asscher: These cuts are beautiful, but they highlight imperfections more, which can make them less forgiving for inclusions.

Now, if you’re not too particular about the shape, maybe try something like a cushion or oval cut, which can offer a great deal for your money, and they can often look just as dazzling as the pricier options.

Forgetting About the Setting

Here's a little trick I’ve learned over the years: the setting is just as important as the diamond itself. A beautiful diamond can lose its shine if it's poorly set. Think about it: you’re investing in a piece of jewelry, not just a rock.

The Best Settings for Your Diamond

• Prong setting: The classic choice, it allows maximum light to hit the diamond, making it sparkle.

• Bezel setting: Offers more protection for the stone, but it can hide some of the diamond’s sparkle. Great for active individuals.

• Pave setting: Adds extra sparkle around the main diamond, making the piece look even more luxurious.

If you’re not sure which one to pick, I recommend going to a jeweler and seeing which settings match your diamond best. Sometimes, a simple change in the setting can make your diamond pop like never before.

Conclusion: Don’t Rush, Take Your Time!

The truth is, there’s a lot to consider when buying a diamond, and it’s so easy to make mistakes. But if you avoid overpaying, stay clear of conflict diamonds, watch out for treatments, think about the shape, and pay attention to the setting, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision.

So take your time, do your homework, and trust yourself. After all, it’s not just about buying a diamond—it’s about buying the right one. And hey, when you get that perfect one, it’s totally worth it.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.