Holloway Diamonds are known for creating spectacular engagement rings and fine diamond jewellery. Naturally, when they offered to let us share their diamond buying guide, we jumped at the opportunity!
Founder of Holloway Diamonds, Gary Holloway is globally acknowledged for his expertise, specialising in diamond cut quality. Mr. Holloway applies science and technology to the way diamonds of all shapes and colours are cut. As a result, Holloway Diamonds appear bigger than their carat weight. That’s a major #win for us!
What’s in the diamond buying guide?
The diamond buying guide will explain everything you need to know about the four C’s: Carat, Clarity, Colour and Cut. This guide even decodes the GIA Diamond Report – so you’ll be able to talk the talk #likeaboss.
We thought all diamonds were fancy, but it turns out, some are a more special and unique than others. Find out why celebrities have extra-ordinary engagement rings and what on earth is a fancy diamond in the guide too.
Here are some of our favourite diamond buying tips:
1. Choose a diamond that’s just under a full carat weight.
According to the diamond buying guide, an obscure carat weight is better value for money.
“Cutting diamonds to save weight meets consumer demand for ‘magic’ carat weights. Sparkle is sacrificed because people want 1.00ct and 2.00ct diamonds,” says Mr. Holloway.
2. Clarity doesn’t necessarily equal sparkle.
Mr Holloway says there is a common myth suggesting higher clarity diamonds sparkle more. This isn’t the case.
“Expertly chosen diamonds with VS and SI inclusions sparkle exactly the same way as Flawless or VVS graded diamonds of the same cut quality. Don’t confuse rarity and beauty,” he says.
3. Fancy shaped diamonds can be better value for money.
The diamond buying guide makes a strong case for fancy shaped diamonds. These unusual shapes are cheaper because there is no official grading system for fancy shaped diamonds.
“With no independent ‘sparkle’ grade, cutters simply cut to achieve a greater carat weight and the result is deep dull diamonds. The price for the entire category of fancy shape diamonds is about 30% less. That gives me an opportunity to get you a bigger carat weight and more sparkle for your money,” says Mr. Holloway.
4. Be wary when buying diamonds online
Mr. Holloway expresses a wise warning to all who are looking at buying diamonds online: “If you are considering saving money then please beware; most online diamonds are trade rejects. You will find this guidebook to be most useful. There are 3types of online vendors ranging from the most to least expensive: those offering diamonds they own, those with vetted 3rd party diamonds with photos (often using my tools) and lastly the virtual diamond drop shippers.”
Download the full diamond buying guide from Holloway Diamonds below:
