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Four major components are considered when determining a diamond's quality and value. They are known as the Four C's.
Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Understanding these four factors and how they interact can help you select a diamond that suits your taste
and your pocketbook. There are two additional but lesser know C's that can
greatly impact your search for the right diamond. Cost and Certification.
C1.Carat: Refers to the weight of a diamond.
Carat is often confused with size even though it is
actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also
be divided into 100 "points." A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat
diamond. A 1.00 carat diamond costs exactly twice the price of a half-carat diamond, right? Wrong.
Larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, which places them at the rarest level.
A 1.00 carat diamond will cost more than twice as much as a 1/2-carat diamond (assuming color, clarity and cut remain constant).
C2.Color : Refers to the degree to which a diamond is
colorless.
Diamonds range in color from icy winter whites to
warm summer whites. Diamonds are graded on a color scale which ranges from D (colorless) to Z.
Warmer colored diamonds (K-Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter
whites (D-J) look stunning set in white gold or platinum. Color differences are very subtle and
it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an E and an F. Therefore, colors are
graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.
Truly colorless stones, graded D, are treasured for their rarity. Color, however, ultimately
comes down to personal taste.
C3.Clarity: Refers to the presence of
inclusions in a diamond.
Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures,
appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or
feathers. To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a
diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can
affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these
diamonds are much more valuable. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity.
The clarity scale, ranging from FL (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of
inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
C4.Cut: Refers to the angles and
proportions of a diamond.
Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut
diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse
and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire,
thereby being more sought after than deep or shallow-cut diamonds. Diamonds that are cut too
deeply or too shallowly lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance
and ultimately, value. Cut also refers to shape-round, square, pear, or heart, for example.
Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters,
it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes. Non-round shapes, also known as "fancy shapes,"
will have their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.
C5. Cost: What to spend on a diamond.
When you start to think about buying a diamond-and
the love it will symbolize-you naturally want the best you can afford and a beautiful stone you
will treasure forever.
Diamonds can be found in a range of price and you
are certain to find one that suits your taste and what you plan to spend. If you are about
to buy a Diamond Engagement Ring, you may want to consider spending the commonly accepted
guideline of two months' salary. But it's up to you to select a diamond that will truly
represent your deepest emotions and the promise for the future you will share.
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