Can you buy a diamond in Denver, make your fiancé happy and still afford luxuries like food? Sure … just do a little homework.

This section of our Web site is designed to help you make some sense of the way diamonds are graded. No, this isn't a gemological course, but it's a whole lot easier to understand than that pamphlet you pick up in a store. Most of the information contained in this explanation of grading practices is directly from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), but we've translated in into English for you.

If you're purchasing a diamond for something like an engagement ring in Denver, focus your efforts on finding a stone that is brilliant and don't worry so much about making sure the diamond meets the GIA text book definition of percentages and angles. Some people really lose touch with reality and get caught up in the quest for the perfect diamond. Believe me, I've seen people make full-time careers out of this. I'm begging you, use your common sense. This isn't rocket science — ask yourself, how does the diamond look to you? Is it brilliant and beautiful or not? A basic understanding of the GIA grading system will ensure you get the most for your money and don't get cheated.