Diamonds are a beautiful and thoughtful investment. Choosing the perfect diamond, whether for yourself or a loved one, is an exciting process but can be stressful if you don’t know what to look for.

To help relieve some of the stress of picking the perfect diamond, here are a few simple tips.

When looking at different diamonds, always consider the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat.

• Cut – The most important aspect of any diamond is the cut because it has the greatest influence on its sparkle and overall brightness. Look for a diamond that is cut to proper proportions to allow for optimal brilliance.
• Color – The less color, the higher quality and more valuable the diamond is. To ensure a perfect diamond, you want to pick one that doesn’t have a yellow tint that diminishes its shine. Colorless diamonds are the rarest.
• Clarity – Generally the least important aspect of a diamond is its clarity. Flaws (usually microscopic) on the surface or inside of a diamond reduce its clarity grading. While everyone wants a perfect diamond, most imperfections can’t be seen by the naked eye.
• Carat – Carats are the units in which a diamond’s weight is measured. This is the most objective aspect of any diamond. The “perfect” amount of carats really depends on each individual’s taste.

To ensure you’re getting a quality and accurately graded diamond, request a diamond grading report. The Gemological Institute of America is the most respected and widely used service for unbiased assessments of a diamond’s quality. When you request a GIA Diamond Grading Report, you will receive documentation of your diamond’s characteristics including cut, color, clarity, carat and more. Disclosure1

The perfect diamond is one that not only looks stunning, but doesn’t compromise your integrity either. Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that have no connection to terror groups and have not been used to finance conflict in war-torn areas. While most diamonds these days follow a process to ensure that they are conflict-free, that does not mean that they are ethically sourced.

Diamonds labeled as “ethically sourced” go beyond the basic requirements of conflict-free diamonds by guaranteeing compliance with strict labor and environmental regulations (no human rights violations, safe working conditions, fair wages, eco-friendly practices, etc.). Disclosure2

After your thoughtful and extensive search for the perfect diamond, it’s important to make sure your jewelry is protected in case it’s ever damaged, lost, or stolen. Our Private Client Specialists at McGriff can help you find the perfect coverage for your perfect diamond. If you aren’t currently working with one of our experts, please click below to read more about our Private Client services and to find a specialist near you.