Four ways to get the biggest diamond ring on a budget

If there’s one thing jewellery-lovers know, it’s; the bigger the diamond, the better.

However, while we’d all love to be able to dress ourselves in huge, sparkling jewels every day, most of us would need to take on a second job to be able to afford some of the giant sparklers on the market.

If you’re on the lookout for a sizeable piece of bling but the price tag makes your eyes hurt, then fear not, because diamond expert Sam Rahme, Director at Affinity Diamonds, has given us his top tips for getting the most bang out of your buck when it comes to shopping for engagement rings.

Learn how to use an eyeglass

The first thing you need to know before you whip out your credit card and purchase a diamond is how to use an eyeglass.

Once you’ve mastered exactly how to hold it (which includes making a fist out of your index finger and your thumb and putting the glass high up on your cheekbone) put the diamond right up against the glass.

Then drag the diamond away and when it comes into focus you’ll be able to see it in 3D.

Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll be able to figure out the clarity of the diamond and what kind of inclusions are in it.

Get a diamond with white inclusions

According to Sam, knowing exactly what clarity the diamond is and what inclusions are in it can really save you money when you’re diamond shopping.

“The perception is that you’ve got to go up in clarity to VS and VVS,” Sam told Yahoo Lifestyle, claiming that’s not the case at all.

“You can go down to a good SI2 that’s got white inclusions instead of a SI2 that’s got black inclusions.”

That means that while you might have less clarity in your diamond – due to slight white inclusions in it which are invisible to the naked eye – you’ll be able to get your hands on a bigger diamond for your budget.

Go for a shallow shape

The more shallow the diamond, the bigger it will look when it’s sitting on your finger.

If you’ve got a small diamond fund, then go for a pear or oval-shaped diamond, as they are shallow and will give the illusion of a bigger diamond.

Make sure it comes with a GIA certificate

Every diamond comes with a GIA certificate so you know it’s legit.

Always make sure you get a GIA certificate and a cut grade excellent, if you want your diamond to sparkle.

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