STEP 1 - Know the 4Cs:
The 4Cs stands for Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. These are the four primary grading characteristics that determine a diamond's value. Other major factors you need to consider before purchasing a diamond, are its "Shape" , which can be Round, Princess, Oval, Marquise, Pear, Emerald, Heart, etc., and the "Setting" that the stone will be mounted in, which can be made of Platinum, Gold, or Silver.

STEP 2 - Your Budget:
A good starting point is a famous "Two Months Salary Guideline", however, you know your personal finances best. Our advise is to search diamond selections utilizing the knowledge you gain here, and decide on a dollar amount that you feel most comfortable with.

STEP 3 - Diamond Style/Shape:
Decide on the Style that most appeals to you (or the lucky person you are buying for). We wish we could help you more in this area, however, this selection has to do much with personal taste. Please take look at our online Catalog for selections. Or use Forms to submit your request and we will find it for you

STEP 4 - Certification:
A Certificate simply puts your mind at ease as to the quality of the diamond you purchased. At JewelPlus.com, we simply stand behind every item that we sell. In order to assure you that you're receiving the value and product you expect, we provide an Appraisal Certificate with every piece of jewelry we sell.

Appraisal Certificate is an estimate of the approximate retail replacement value of the jewelry, which may be used for insurance coverage or other purposes. The appraisal certificate contains valuable information, such as:

An accurate and complete description of each article of jewelry being appraised
The Color, Clarity, Carat weight and Cut of the diamond
Type of setting material (platinum, gold, etc.)
Name of independent laboratory certification (GIA, EGL, AGS, HRD or IGI), if applicable
Approximate current retail replacement market value (approx. 150% of your purchased price)
Signature of our appraiser gemologist

All loose diamonds are priced based on the type of professional grading report from well known and well-respected independent gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), or we simply provide same diamonds at lower price if no certificate is required. The Diamond Grading Report is a complete evaluation of your diamond, and basically includes information on the 4Cs, including:

The diamond's Color grade
The diamond's Clarity grade
The diamond's Carat weight
The diamond's Cut quality (Please Note: not all reports grade cut)
An evaluation of the diamond's symmetry and polish

It also may comment on the diamond's fluorescence, girdle and culet, which also affect its value
A grading report also includes a diagram that maps the diamond's inclusions. Since each diamond is unique, the diagram acts like a fingerprint to identify that particular diamond. A diamond can be compared to its certificate by examining it under a 10-power loupe.
Not all diamonds are certified by gemological laboratoried, because generally speaking, for most diamonds under a specific weight, it is not cost-effective to subject such a small stone to the stringent and costly grading evaluation of an independent gemological laboratory. This can disproportionately increase the cost of a smaller stone, relative to its actual value.

It is important to note that a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory is NOT an appraisal, which estimates the monetary value of a particular stone. It is simply an impartial, informed opinion made by an experienced gemologist.

Should you have any further questions regarding appraisal reports, please Contact Us.

STEP 5 - Choose Setting/Material:
There's more to the diamond when you're purchasing a diamond ring, of course. There's the Setting or mounting. This, like the shape of the stone itself is purely a matter of personal style. Here are few setting styles for your review:

	In a prong setting, the gemstone is held in place by a number of metal prongs, which rise above the main body of the ring and are bent over the stone to hold it in place. The number of prongs varies according to the stone's shape, as does their height above the main body of the ring.
Prong Setting

	Very popular in bridal rings, this four- or six-prong style is called a "Tiffany" setting, because it was originally developed by the founder of Tiffany & Co. in 1886 to hold diamonds. A prong setting allows the most light to enter a gemstone from all angles, maximizing its brilliance. Six prongs also provide added security in holding the stone.
Tiffany Setting

A bezel setting holds a gemstone in place using a thin band of metal that surrounds the stone at its middle, or girdle. It can completely or partially surround the stone, depending on the style and look desired. This type of setting provides good protection for the middle (girdle) and bottom (pavilion) portions of a stone. Bezel settings can have straight or scalloped edges, an can be molded to accommodate many shapes of stones.

Bezel Setting

In a channel setting, two strips of metal (gold, platinum, etc.) hold the gemstone(s) in place at the sides. There is no metal between the stones. This type of setting protects the girdle area of the gemstone, as well as securing small stones more effectively than a prong setting. Channel-set gemstones also sit flush with the mounting, making them less likely to get snagged on other objects, such as hair or clothing.

Channel Setting

	A bar setting is very similar to a channel setting (see above). Used in circular bands, a bar setting uses a thin bar of metal to hold the stones in place on either side, so that each bar has a stone on either side of it.
Bar Setting

Invisible-set gemstones are placed very closely together, with the metal concealed underneath the stones, giving them the appearance of a continuous, uninterrupted surface. Since the metal of the setting is not seen, this type of setting is an excellent way to showcase the brilliance or color of the gemstones themselves. It also allows an increased amount of light to enter the stone (and, thus give off more brilliance or color), since there are no prongs or bezels impeding the light's entry.

Invisible Setting

	In pavé setting, gemstones are fit into small holes and set almost level with the surface of the ring. They are set in rows, with no metal between them, giving the appearance of the gemstones having been paved, like a cobblestone road (Pavé is French for paved).
Pavé Setting

	In a cluster setting, several stones are mounted together in a group, for a cluster effect. It is frequently seen with several small stones surrounding a central, larger stone.
Cluster Setting

	This setting uses pressure to hold a stone between two open ends of the metal mounting, making the stone appear as if it's floating.
Tension Setting

In addition to the setting, the metal that the setting itself is crafted from is an important consideration. Here are few choices on ring material:

Platinum
18k yellow gold
18k white gold
14k yellow gold
14k white gold
Two-Tone 18k gold
Two-Tone 14k gold

STEP 6 - Make Your Purchase:
You know about 4cs and diamond certification, you have set your budget, you have looked around to decide on a particular diamond style/shape. You have chosen your setting/material. You can make your purchase online using JewelPlus.com Catalog. If you require assistance or should you require a special diamond, you could use our Special Request forms.