Purchasing a diamond can test the nerves of even the most
astute buyer – but what do you look for? What makes one diamond worth more than
another?
To understand why two diamonds of the same size are completely
different prices, here is a simple guide to the essentials of diamond grading.
A diamond's value is based on the quality of its Cut,
Clarity, Colour and it's weight, measured in Carats. These are affectionately known as 'The 4
C's".
CUT
For a diamond to sparkle most brilliantly, the
proportions and angles of the cut stone need to be precise to reflect the
maximum amount of light back out and achieve what is known as 'total internal
reflection'. This may not be the case if it has been cut too deep or too
shallow. If a diamond doesn't catch your eye or if it doesn't flash in the
light, it's probably not well cut. Good cutting is what brings fire to the ice.
CLARITY
Diamonds are mostly pure carbon, but during
crystallisation other minerals can become trapped in the cooling rock. These
impurities known as 'inclusions' show up as the various characteristics that
affect the clarity of a diamond. Clarity is measured on a scale ranging from
pure (flawless) to heavily included (I-3). The visibility of inclusions and blemishes
that can be seen by an experienced grader under 10X magnification in good
lighting sets the stone’s clarity, and the actual clarity grade is determined
by the number, nature, position, size and colour of the inclusions.
COLOUR
The most sought after diamond is one where no colour is
evident at all.
Diamonds are graded on the colour ranging from no colour
at all (D) to deeply tinted yellow/brown (Z). Beyond "Z" is where the
diamond's colour is no longer a 'tint' but an actual colour which is vivid and
rich. These are called "fancy coloured diamonds" and are
breathtakingly beautiful and rare.
CARAT
Carat is a gemstone’s unit of weight. It’s equivalent to
0.2 grams and is divided into one hundred points, so a diamond measuring 75
points is 3/4 carat in weight, or 0.75ct. The unit was devised in the States in
1913, its name coming from the carob seed, used by early traders as
counterweights to measure precious gems.
So, when deciding to buy a diamond, keep
in mind the 4 C's as a factor of buying consideration. I always ensure my clients are totally
informed about these features and actually observe the differences by looking
at real diamonds of different quality grades. It is important to work out which quality is of
greatest importance to you personally, and then to be guided in selecting the
diamond that will hold the greatest value and sentiment for your budget.
I hope this week is good to you all.
Much love
Cat ¨
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