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Diamond Education
In finding that “perfect” diamond for you, there are four key factors to consider, known as the Four C’s (4Cs).
CUT
The cut refers to the symmetry and proportions of a diamond. Depending on the original form of the uncut diamond (rough stone), diamonds are cut into various shapes to reflect light. Many experts believe the cut to be the most important factor in a diamond as it determines the brilliance and sparkle of a stone.
A diamond’s ability to reflect light determines the display of fire and brilliance. Diamonds are usually cut with flat surfaces (facets), which follow a mathematical formula placing them at precise angles in relation to each other. This relationship is designed to maximize the amount of light reflected through the diamond and to increase its beauty.
1.Well Cut –When a diamond is cut to proper proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone.
2.Deep Cut– When a diamond is cut too deep, light escapes through the opposite side making the diamond to appear dark and dull.
3.Shallow Cut– When the cut of a diamond is too shallow, light escapes through the bottom before it can be reflected, causing it to lose brilliance.
Diamond Cut Grades:
Diamond measurements are calculated and applied to a cut grading scale that makes it easy to understand how well light is reflected.
Ideal– This grade is very strict and combines the best in brilliance and fire. A diamond that is in the Ideal range is rare and extremely valuable.
Excellent– This grade is also of great beauty yet slightly more flexible regarding proportions. Many experts prefer the appearance of the Excellent grade to the Ideal.
Very Good– This grade is balanced between precise proportions and price considerations. Many view it as the best overall value in beauty and price.
Other Cutting Factors:
Polish and symmetry are two important aspects of a diamond’s cut. Polish refers to the finishing or smoothness of a diamond’s flat surfaces (facets) and symmetry refers to the alignment and positioning of a diamond’s facets. The alignment of each facet should be sharp and precise as improperly joined facets can make a diamond appear uneven and dull. The polish and symmetry of a diamond is generally defined by a grade ranging from Poor to Excellent. When purchasing a diamond, select one with a polish and symmetry grade of Good or above.
COLOR
Diamonds allow light to be reflected and dispersed as a rainbow of color. Color is an important factor to consider as it dramatically impacts the value of a stone. For diamonds, the best color is no color. A diamond color grading scale comes in the form of letters, starting with the letter D, representing the absolute best colorless stone, and descending toward the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray.
| Color |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
X |
Y |
Z |
Fancy |
| Scale |
Colorless |
Near
Colorless |
Faint
Yellow |
Very Light
Yellow |
Light Yellow |
Color |
When directly comparing diamonds for color, most consumers are unable to detect a difference unless they are at least two or three color grades apart. We recommend selecting a diamond with a color grade of Near Coloress or better for value and price.
CLARITY
The clarity of a diamond refers to how clear or clean the diamond is. The more clean the diamond, the more valuable the stone. Almost all diamonds contain small natural imperfections called inclusions. The clarity scale is a measure of the severity of those imperfections or inclusions.
Many inclusions are not detectable by the naked eye and require magnification to be seen. As a rule, a laboratory certified clarity rating of SI2 represents the point at which inclusions are technically not apparent to the average naked eye.
CARAT WEIGHT
The word carat comes from the carob seeds that were usedto balance scales in ancient times. In the world of diamonds, carat refers to the size of a stone. However, it is very important not to mistake carat weight as referring to the dimensions of a diamond; it refers to weight only. This is an important distinction as weight can hide in different parts of the stone. Depending on the cut of a diamond – whether it’s well cut, or shallow cut or deep cut – some may appear larger than others. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, or 0.007 ounces. Five carats are equals 1 grams, and 141.7 carats equals 1 ounce. Carat weight is commonly expressed in points or fractions. There are 100 points in 1 carat. For instance, 0.33 carats is generally expressed as 33 points, or 1/3 of a carat.
Out of the 4C’s, carat weight has the most significant impact on the price of a diamond. It is very common for people to focus only on purchasing the biggest stone possible thinking that they are getting the most for their money. This is a misconception. When purchasing a diamond, it is very important to consider the quality and not just quantity. The best-valued stone may not necessarily be the largest.
Diamond Shapes
Diamonds are cut in many different and exciting shapes. The shape of a diamond is often confused with its cut. Shape refers to the basic form of the diamond: oval or pear shaped, for instance. Cut or proportions, on the other hand, refer to the ability of each of these shapes to reflect light. A round diamond, for example, could have a good cut or a poor cut depending upon its proportions. When it comes to shape, it is simply a matter of personal taste. The right shape for you is really the one whose appearance you prefer. Shape can be a statement of whom you are; like other areas of fashion, shape can reflect your individuality.
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