Diamonds
When buying a diamond, it is vitally important to know about the 4 C's.
They are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Together, the 4 C's
determine a diamond's value. It is essential to learn about each of the
4 C's before purchasing a diamond because each C speaks differently to
each individual. For some, the carat weight is the most important while
for others it is the cut.
CUT
To
many, cut is the most important of the 4 C's. Each diamond is cut using
an exact mathematical formula that unleashes its brilliance and fire.
It also refers to the number of facets that the diamond has. The most
common cut is the round brilliant. The round brilliant has 58 flat,
polished facets that reflect the maximum amount of light. The
mathematical formula also takes into account the depth of the cut. If a
diamond is cut too shallow or too deep it will lose some of its fire. A
well-cut diamond will reflect the light and refract it back out to your
eye. Cut is not to be confused with shape.
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COLOR
While diamonds come in every
color of the spectrum, the most valuable diamond color is colorless.
Truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare and as a result are
expensive. They are graded on a color scale established by the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Diamonds range from D
(colorless) to Z. The further down in the alphabet the diamond is, the
more yellow it appears. Color can best be determined by looking at a
loose diamond on a pure white surface, and by noting any contrast.
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CARAT
Some people believe that
carat refers to the size of a diamond while in actuality; carat is the
term used to measure a diamond's weight. A carat is equal to 200
milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. One carat is made up
of one hundred points. The larger the diamond, the greater its rarity.
Because larger diamonds are more rare, they generally have a greater
value per carat.
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| CLARITY
Internal imperfections and external irregularities affect the
clarity of the diamond by interfering with the passage of light
throughout the stone. Imperfections such as spots, lines, or bubbles
are known as inclusions. The diamond is more valuable when it has fewer
inclusions. According to the GIA's quality analysis system, clarity is
graded on a scale ranging from flawless (FL or IF) to imperfect (I).
The system is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification
of 10x.
While these are the 4 most recognized C's, a fifth and less recognized,
yet equally important C does exist. That is Confidence. Confidence in
your jeweler is extremely important when buying this piece of jewelry
that will last forever, and be passed down among generations. It is
important to shop at a professional jeweler, one that is a member of a
professional trade association such as Jewelers of America (JA). JA
requires high ethical standards of its members and provides them with
ongoing education.
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Images courtesy of GIA