Buying jewellery for the first time? We help you with all there is to know, from shape to colour, diamond cuts, carats, fluorescence, certificates and more.
If you’re new to the jewellery buying experience, don't despair because we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you understand the essentials of jewellery for gifting, investing or personal wear. There’s much more to it than simply picking out the prettiest stone because, as you know, jewellery comes with a sizable price tag, so you may want to take some time and carefully consider your selection process. We let you in on a few insider secrets to finding the best jewellery.
Pay Attention To Shape & Cut
Deciding on the shape of the stone is one of the decisions you will have to make when purchasing jewellery. Whether it’s a ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings, you will have to choose a round, oval, square or heart-shaped pendant or stone. Make sure the shape suits your style preference and your hand's size in the case of rings.
Diamonds come in various cuts, from round to oval, emerald, heart-shaped, pear, marquise or princess cut. This is one of the contributing factors to the value of the diamond, as its symmetry and polish determine how well it reflects light.
The Power Of Colour
Diamonds are known for their absence of colour and clarity, which gives them high value. However, in other gemstones, you may experience a kaleidoscope of colour and will have to choose your ideal hue and shade.
From icy blues to royal blue, emerald green, shades of pink and even yellow or orange, coloured gemstones have a unique mesmerising quality and add character to a piece of jewellery. With certain stones like the Argyle pink diamond, the deeper the hue, the more valuable the stone is. Ask your jeweller for advice on coloured stones.
Fluorescence: How Does Your Diamond Glow?
Fluorescence is an imperative factor when selecting diamonds. It refers to the soft glow that emanates from a diamond when exposed to ultraviolet light. This happens in shades of blue, green, yellow, white or red. In some cases, fluorescence can enhance the beauty of a diamond, but in others, it can detract the value, so it’s best to seek professional advice before purchasing a fluorescent diamond.
Jewellery Certification
Jewellery certification is certainly less glamorous than picking out your favourite stones, but it’s not something to be glanced over. A certificate tells you how valuable your jewellery is to prove its authenticity. GIA is one of the most respected certifications for diamond grading in the world and is available in Australia, so speak to your local jeweller about this when purchasing jewellery.
Find the most exquisite jewellery at Jeffrey McConaghy Jewellery in Queensland. We are specialists in jewellery design, jewellery repairs, restoration and maintenance and can guide you on your next purchase of diamonds, gemstones and more. Contact us for more information.