Considering the 4 Cs When You Need to Save on Diamond Earrings
People often talk about the "4 Cs" as key factors to consider when choosing diamond jewelry. The 4 Cs are color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. If you were on an unlimited budget, then of course you'd want to maximize the diamond's performance or rating in each of these four categories. But what if you have a smaller budget when shopping for diamond jewelry? Here is how you can still apply the 4 Cs to make sure you get the best diamond earrings you can afford.
Color
If you are on a tight budget, compromising a bit on diamond color is a great way to save a few extra dollars. Most people won't want diamonds with any sort of yellowing or discoloration for an engagement ring or other high-end piece. However, you can find earrings made with diamonds that are slightly less than clear. There are ways to make up for this and take the color off the discoloration by choosing the right metal for the setting. For instance, a slightly yellowed diamond will look more clear when paired with a gold setting over a silver one.
Cut
Certain diamond cuts make it more obvious if your stone is not top-quality. Round cuts and brilliance cuts, for example, tend to make impurities more obvious. So, if you're buying a less-than-perfect pair of diamonds, you should consider choosing a princess or cushion cut as these cuts tend to make impurities less obvious.
Clarity
Since people do not often look as closely at diamond earrings as they do at diamond rings, you can get away with buying a diamond with a few blemishes or lapses in clarity. A diamond with a tiny blemish in one corner, for instance, may sell for significantly less than one that's entirely clear, and no one would be the wiser.
Carat Weight
Carat weight is probably the last C you want to skimp on. If you are able to find diamonds with slight blemishes in terms of color and clarity, you can generally afford to buy somewhat larger ones. Yes, you could save some cash by buying smaller diamond earrings, but this may not be necessary if you're able to make allowances in clarity and color.
Hopefully, this piece has given you a better idea of how to consider the 4 Cs when shopping for diamond earrings on a budget. It's important to make allowances where it affects the appearance of the diamond the least. Keep these tips in mind when looking for diamond earrings.