Before you can decide how to select a diamond, you must first decide how it will be used. Diamonds come in a vast array of qualities, shapes and sizes. A person buying a diamond for investment reasons will have entirely different criteria than a selecting diamonds for engagement rings. Likewise, the individual acquiring diamonds as accent stones may have yet another set of criteria.

It would be wonderful if we all had the resources to go out and buy a large, flawless diamond. For most people that is not possible. However, if you spend a little bit of time, you can learn how to select a diamond that allows you to achieve your goals.

Diamonds for Investment
As is the case with all investments, you must consider your objectives. Most people want an investment that is safe, offers a good return, and is easy to liquidate if the need to sell arises.

Over the past 100 years, diamonds have nearly doubled in value per decade however they can be difficult to liquidate. If you are not a dealer or closely tied to the diamond market, it will not be easy for you to sell your diamonds quickly at market diamond pricing. There are many investments that double per decade and are more liquid than diamonds.Diamonds for Investment Unless you have a large portfolio of assets, the need to diversify into a portable commodity, or will not have to liquidate it rapidly, diamonds should not be considered as a traditional investment.

That being said there are very few things in your life that can be used and enjoyed daily that require so little maintenance and appreciate in worth like a diamond. Diamonds are beautiful and durable and become more valuable over time.

Diamonds for Engagement
Probably the most popular association with the word diamond is engagement rings. For most men, the purchase of a diamond represents the most significant commitment he has made to a woman, both symbolically and financially. The mystique of the diamond is compounded by the commitment that it represents. He wonders. Is the stone large enough? Is the quality good enough? What do her girlfriends have? Will she like it? Can he afford it?

We all have different lifestyles and circumstances. For some, the sky is the limit. Most of us however, need to exercise some constraints. You may find it necessary to settle for a little less in the size or in the quality of the stone, but a little knowledge can help you to separate the characteristics you are willing to forfeit in exchange for those she will love.

There are many beautiful diamonds that are bright white and brilliant but are not flawless. By educating yourself through research and speaking with a qualified jeweler you can gain a better understanding of diamond clarity, diamond color, and diamond cut. You can learn how to select a diamond that maximizes your budget so that you can acquire the ring she will love.

Diamonds Accents
When using small diamonds to offset a center diamond, it is very important to use bright, near colorless stones. All too often diamond grading is ignored on diamonds accents. While it is not necessary to see the grade of every little stone on a diamond chart, you should not try to economize on the secondary stones and diamond accents.

Well-cut, high-color diamonds can dramatize primary gemstones in jewelry. There are few things in jewelry more disappointing than seeing an important gemstone jewelry surrounded by sub-standard diamonds. High quality, secondary diamonds can make a piece of fine jewelry noteworthy.

If necessary, it is better to forfeit a little bit of carat weight to attain the maximum brilliance.