There are the four value factors jewelers use when grading diamonds. The first step to making an informed decision when buying a diamond that is right for you involves understanding the:
· Clarity
· Color
· Cut
· Carat
And one last important factor:
"Fifth C"
• Certificates
CLARITY
In nature only
a few things can be absolutely perfect, that is just as true in a diamond.
Diamonds have internal features we call clarity characteristics that occur
during the formation process. Absence of the clarity characteristics in a
diamond is what creates more brilliance, which means more flash for your
cash.
COLOR
Colorless
diamonds are the most desirable since they are truly rare and allow the
most
refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light,
inhibiting brilliance.
CUT
Cut is probably
the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand.
The
brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut.
CARAT
A carat is the
unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are
found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises
exponentionaly to
its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding
of what a carat is and how it affects
the appearance of a diamond.
Fifth C:
CERTIFICATE
The diamond
certificate, which is sometimes called a grading report, is a complete
evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified
professional with the
help of special gemological instruments. Each stone
bears its own recognizable, individual
characteristics, which is listed on
the certificate.
More
information about diamond
certificates...
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