Diamond Watch Buying Guide

Posted by on Dec 23, 2013 in Accessories |

diamond watchesWhether it is a woman or a man, everyone loves diamonds. Diamonds are being sought after since ancient times. Because of their unmatched luster, clarity and brightness, diamonds are considered the most precious in the world of gemstones. No wonder, they are incorporated wherever they can be, even in watches. A diamond watch is not just a time-keeping device, but it is a jewelry item to flaunt. And when it comes to jewelry, women literally fall for it. But they should take due care while buying diamond watches. Here’s how.

You should know first the various terms associated with diamond wristwatches. It helps to be aware of the difference between digital, analog, chronograph and atomic. If you are planning to buy a diamond watch, you should spend some time knowing about each of these types before choosing one. Also the band types, diamond classification, metal types and size are important aspects to consider. Especially if you want to buy the watch online, as you cannot try the watch physically, you should know all these things well beforehand.

Synthetic, Natural and Simulated

First thing to decide is the type of diamonds. There are natural, synthetic and simulated diamonds, of which natural diamonds are those which occur naturally, obtained from mining. Some buyers may have an issue with the origin of the diamonds, regarding whether it is approved or not. If you have such a concern, you can search for diamonds from conflict-free mines. Synthetic diamonds have same properties like natural diamonds, but they are made artificially. And therefore they are less precious than natural diamonds. Simulated diamonds have no similarity in properties with natural diamonds. They are not as hard as their natural counterparts and may crack or become dull after some time. Some types of simulated diamonds are moissanite and cubic zirconia. If you wish to buy genuine diamond watches, you should ensure that you purchase ones made with natural or synthetic diamonds.

fancy shape

Stone Quality

You should also know some terms regarding diamond quality. Costlier watches usually include descriptions of grades of their diamonds. Various terms are cut, carat, color and clarity.

Cut – Cut refers to a process to form multiple facets on a gemstone. The more the facets, the brighter is the appearance of the diamond.

Carat – Carat is the unit of weight of the diamond. If your watch has multiple diamonds, its carat weight is generally indicated as a total weight of all the diamonds in it.

Color – Color is evaluated on a scale from D to Z for white to pale yellow diamonds. From D to F, diamonds are considered more valuable and they are almost colorless. From K onwards, a dull yellow color starts. Darker yellow and all other colors come beyond Z. The scale only indicates the richness of the hue.

Clarity – The scale measuring clarity of the diamonds ranges from F to 13 and indicates other inclusions in the diamond. Those graded from F to SI are considered more valuable. As the diamonds go beyond I range, they start losing value.

Metal Types

Metals are important to consider while buying the watch. The metal type used to make watch often depends upon whether the diamonds used are genuine or fake. For real diamonds, a precious and durable metal is used. For simulated diamonds cheaper metals are used. Various metals used are platinum, gold, silver, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, titanium, gold plating and gold filling, of which platinum is the most precious and is used for topnotch watches. Gold is less expensive than platinum but more expensive than silver.

Band Types

Some women may also prefer bands of other material like plastic or leather. But these are often used for a watch made with simulated diamonds. If you desire to buy a band made of platinum, gold or silver, you should ensure that the metal is pure and not plated.

leather band

Band Size

Even though a watch is expandable or adjustable, it is necessary to compare its measurement with your individual wrist measurement before you purchase it. Some watches are made for wider wrists, while some are made for smaller wrists. If you buy the watch as a gift, you better buy an expandable or adjustable watch.