When evaluating diamonds, it is important to remember the different grading criteria involved in the diamond creation process. These grades cover different qualities of the individual diamonds. The most important grades are known as the 4 C’s; carat weight, diamond clarity, diamond color, and diamond cut. These grades should be acknowledged with the highest importance. Each characteristic, C, will not diminish in value over time. By understanding these characteristics, you can better pass judgment on which diamond is right for you.
Carat Weight A carat is a unit of measurement that describes the weight of the diamond, rather than its size. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. A carat is sometimes also referred to in points. For example, one carat is equal to 100 points. Thus, a 50 point carat diamond is the same as a .5 carat diamond. The larger the diamond, the more expensive it will be. This is because larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds. As a result, the price of the diamond rises exponentially to the diamonds size.
Diamond Clarity The clarity of a diamond describes identifying characteristics that are present inside and on the surface of the diamond. These naturally occurring features or inclusions, are present in diamonds when they are formed in the earth and can include minerals, fractures, and other “blemishes.” In order to view these inclusions, jewelers use a tool known as a magnifying loupe, which makes the diamond appear ten times its original size. This allows them to identify the inclusions much easier. Inclusions can affect the value of the diamond. Flawless or unblemished diamonds are the rarest and most valuable mainly because very few are found in nature. Some inclusions can be hidden well by mounting, ensuring the full beauty of the diamond. On the other hand, other inclusions will affect the dispersion of light, causing the diamond to look less brilliant. The greater the clarity of the diamond, the more valuable it is.
Diamond Color The color of a diamond refers to the absence or presence of light. Colorless or white diamonds allow more light to pass through, thus allowing more shine, sparkle, and brilliance. White diamonds are graded on a scale established by the Gemological Institute of America. The scale ranges from D to Z, D being the whitest and Z being the warmest. D-J are considered white diamonds and look best mounted in white gold, silver, or platinum. K-Z are the warmer colored diamonds with a yellow tint. These look best mounted in yellow gold. Diamonds graded as D, are the rarest and most valuable of the white diamond class. Diamonds also come in other colors such as blue, green, orange, pink, & red. However these diamonds with color are extremely rare and valuable mainly due to their color.
Diamond Cut The cut of diamond is the most important of the 4 C’s. The cut deals with the angles and proportions of the diamond. A quality cut will allow light to reflect off each side of the diamond, giving the diamond its shine and brilliance while allowing light to escape through the top of the stone. Diamonds with a deep cut or too shallow of a cut allow light to escape through the side or bottom of the diamond, thus reducing its brilliance and value. |