The Purchase Process

The key principal that governs any significant purchase -- such as buying real estate, a car or a computer -- applies to purchasing diamonds as well and it is simply this: Get the best value for your money. Right?

Now most of us know something about cars and computers. And we understand the basics, the essential market forces that govern the value of real estate. If we relocate and are in the market for a new home, we understand how to assess what makes a property valuable. Location...Schools...Shopping...Economy may all be elements we take into consideration.We consider what we can afford to spend on a new home and a housing budget may be set by our lender to ensure that our monthly payment do not exceed 30% of our monthly income.In other words, we strive to get the most value possible with our housing budget--- as much square footage and yard space in as nice an area as we possibly can.

Buying a diamond is no different, except most of know very little about diamonds. Or how much is wise to spend on this symbol of our eternal and priceless love for another. Especially when the symbol is so full of the mystery and allure that is a diamond.

Well, we cannot diminish the mystery and allure that surrounds diamonds, but we can diminish some of the mystery that surrounds their pricing. Our goal is to help you establish a sensible budget and ensure you are geting the best value for money.

Making Light Dance

The true beauty of a diamond lies in its ability to reflect light. That is why the Cut of a diamond can have a significant influence on its value. Of all the Four C’s (Carat, Cut, Color and Clarity) the cut is the only one governed by a person’s skills as opposed to nature’s power. Cut is, therefore, a highly important factor in determining a diamond’s beauty and ultimate value. Diamond-cutting is a complex process that demands great skill. If a diamond is cut too deep, light will escape from the side of the base and brilliance is lost. If it is cut too shallow, light will escape through the bottom of the stone resulting in a glassy appearance. When a diamond is cut to perfect proportions, light is reflected through the top, giving it fire and sparkle.

Shades Of White

The less Color a diamond has, the greater its value and rarity. The vast majority of diamonds contain slight traces of yellow and brown colors. An increase of a single color grade can increase a diamond’s value by thousands of dollars. Alexa Rose Fine Jewel's diamonds are all color-graded according to the GIA color scale. Color gradings begin at D (Blue-White Color) and end at Z (Strong Brown Color). The scale begins at D simply because ‘D’ is for Diamond.

A Step Closer to Perfection

Diamonds contain natural “inclusions,” or fingerprints. These inclusions may have occurred millions of years ago when the diamond was formed. Inclusions are natural imperfections that make each diamond unique. In gem-quality diamonds these imperfections are normally visible only under magnification. In weaker quality diamonds, these imperfections may be visible to the naked eye. Inclusions can interfere with the passage of light, affecting the quality of the diamond. In principle, the fewer inclusions, the finer the clarity and the more valuable the stone.

Worth the Weight

The unit used to measure a diamond’s weight and size is known as the Carat Weight. There are 100 points in a Carat. So, a “25 pointer” is also known as a “Quarter Carat” or 0.25ct. The higher a diamond’s weight, the rarer and more valuable the stone. Because the rarity increases as the weight increases, the value of the diamond increases exponentially. In other words, a 2-carat diamond will be much more valuable than double the amount of a 1-carat diamond. This is because 2-carat stones are less plentiful than 1-carat stones. Therefore, the value may be four or five times the value of the smaller stone. Undoubtedly, weight is an important aspect to consider when purchasing a diamond; however, it is only one aspect in determining a diamond’s value -- along with the Color, Cut and Clarity.

Diamond Search

Search our extensive selection of loose diamonds with the right balance of cut, carat, clarity and color to meet your needs and specifications.

Visit our exclusive showroom, relax with a cup of fresh-brewed latte and let us help you make her dreams come true.

We welcome personal appointments -- after hours appointment available. Open Mondays through Fridays, from 10 am to 6 pm – Saturdays 11 am - 4 pm. Questions? Please contact us anytime at (480) Forever (367-3837) or email us at sales@alexarosediamond.com.

Alexa Rose Diamond -- one flight up and a world apart.