Bundra Delila Tanquerai In the world of jewelry, the 2 carat diamond ring is a true aristocrat. It’s got a size that will stop a conversation mid-sentence and a level of grandeur that can transform the wearer into an instant celebrity. However, just like a true nobleman’s education, shopping for one can be as overwhelming as a midsummer night’s dream without a flashlight or a map.
Here’s a perfect example of how you can meet the mother of all shopping frustrations: I recently received a flurry of messages from readers who were at their wit’s end after their local jewelers left them more baffled than enlightened. Being a seasoned player in the glittering diamond game, I understand all too well how easy it is to get lost in the labyrinth of carats, clarity, and cuts. So, to rescue you from any possible blunders, I’m donning my superhero cape today to guide you in your quest for the ultimate 2 carat diamond ring.
Before we start, remember, this is not just a purchase, but a lifetime investment. So, let’s set some ground rules to ensure you invest wisely and avoid being led down the garden path by some shady jeweler:
- Virtual is virtuous: The internet is your best friend when it comes to diamond shopping. The rarity of 2 carat diamonds means local stores often have as much chance of having one in stock as a snowball surviving in hell. Even if they do, you’re likely to have as many choices as a vegetarian at a barbecue party.
- Don’t get caught in the VS2 trap: For smaller diamonds, SI1 and SI2 might offer an eyeclean experience. But when it comes to larger stones, these ratings are as useful as a chocolate teapot. Unless you want to see inclusions as clearly as you can see your nose on your face, stick to VS clarity or better.
- Cut is not just for tailors: If you thought sparkle is overrated, think again! A diamond’s brilliance can play peek-a-boo with color tones and inclusions. This means you can get a diamond with lower color/clarity grades and it can still twinkle like the North Star, helping you save some bucks or size up.
- Go for G or better color: If you’re the sort of person who can detect the difference between eggshell and ivory on a paint chart, pay attention to this one. Larger diamonds have a knack for trapping body color like a venus flytrap. So, if you don’t want your diamond to have even a hint of the daffodil about it, opt for a G color or better.
- Stick with GIA or AGS graded diamonds: Trusting another lab to grade your diamond is like trusting your cat to guard your goldfish. To avoid swimming with the fishes, ensure you buy only diamonds certified by these two reliable and consistent labs.
I’ll leave you with a pearl of wisdom (no pun intended). In the diamond business, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, let’s say you come across a diamond that’s priced like a used bicycle but claims to be industry-grade. If that diamond has more inclusions than a Christmas pudding, it’s as likely to sparkle as a disco ball in a power cut.
Consider the example of a diamond claiming to be of ‘G’ color and ‘I2’ clarity, as certified by a lab that’s as well-known as the fourth page of Google search results. Had there been a grading scale lower than I3, this diamond would be at the bottom of it, cozying up with rocks and pebbles.
In short, buying such a ‘diamond’ is akin to making a sizeable donation to the money flushing foundation. You’d actually get more bang for your buck if you picked up a $50 imitation ring from Walmart’s costume jewelry section. Trust me, it’s a less painful way to shine.