What to consider, when buying diamonds
Diamonds are natural wonders that have been formed over billions of years deep within the Earth. Each diamond is unique, a result of its time and place of formation. To understand the quality and value of a diamond, it is important to know the "4Cs" of diamond quality: color, clarity, carat, and cut.
Color:
A diamond's color refers to the absence of color in the stone. While perfect diamonds are extremely rare and have no hue, most diamonds have subtle hints of yellow, gray, or brown. The universal standard for grading diamond color is the D-to-Z scale, which ranges from colorless (D, E, F) to light (S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z). The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the higher its quality and price.
Clarity:
Diamonds are formed under extreme heat and pressure, which can result in a variety of internal and external characteristics called inclusions and blemishes. Diamond clarity involves evaluating these characteristics and how they affect the appearance of the stone. The scale for grading diamond clarity ranges from flawless (FL) to included (I1, I2, I3). The purer a diamond is, the higher its clarity grading and price.
Carat:
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. Generally, diamonds with higher carat weights are rarer and more expensive, but two diamonds of the same carat weight can have different values depending on the other 3Cs. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams and is weighed very precisely to the nearest 0.01 carats.
Cut:
The cut of a diamond refers to the proportion and arrangement of its facets, which determines its brilliance, sparkle, and fire. The cut of a diamond is the only parameter that is completely within human control, as it is determined by the craftsmanship of the diamond cutter. The scale for grading diamond cut ranges from excellent to poor. Of the 4Cs, the cut has the greatest impact on a diamond's appearance. When shopping for a diamond, it is recommended to prioritize the cut, as it will have the biggest effect on the diamond's sparkle.
