 |
Diamond by the four C 's: grading curve color (color), cut (way of grinding), carat (weight) and clarity (purity or quality)
Weight (Carat)
The number of carats is simply the weight of the diamond. The larger the diamond, the heavier so more carats. A carat is divided into 100 points. The weight is determined by putting the diamond on a special scale. A diamond of 0.50 Carat is a half carats or 50 points.
The price is closely linked to the number of carats. If a diamond above the Cape of the 1 carats, price rises exponentially. So a diamond of 0,90 Carat can be significantly cheaper than a similar 1.10 Carat Diamond of the same color and quality.
If you are looking for a 1 carat diamond and the price doesn't fit in your budget view than a diamond of around 0.95 carats. The price difference is significant and when you put them next to each other you can't distinguish the two from each other.
Diamond Color
Diamonds are color graded by a set of master stones. The diamond grader compares the color of the stone he or she sort of grading the color of the stones from the master set. This is how the color of a loose diamond is determined.
The best or the best possible color is the color D. There is no such thing as an A, B or C color. The scale starts with D and goes to Z. The colors D through H are considered good white color. If you buy a diamond, try to stay in between the D and H. If a specific diamond, with a D or E color, and it is not within your budget, you can always agree the price comparison with a G or H color. The difference in price is considerable and you still have a beautiful white diamond.
For grading of diamonds the four Cs used: color, cut, clarity and carat. This applies to both white and colored diamonds diamond but the intensity of the color can significantly increase the value.
Diamond Clarity
The third C is the purity of the diamond called clarity or quality. The purity indicates the appearance of the diamond. If the diamond is clear and free of inclusions, we speak of a good purity. Most inclusions or impurities can only be seen with a magnifying glass.
Small impurities in a diamond are acceptable. On the one hand, many people prefer a slightly larger diamond even if they have impurities or inclusions. But on the other hand, and larger diamond with inclusions can be worth less than a small diamond with no inclusions. This shows that the purity or clarity is a very important C. The inclusions of a diamond are identified on a certificate as a fingerprint and can be used for identification if the diamond is ever stolen.
The best purity is IF or LC what Internally Flawless or Loupe Clean means. Other purity are VVS (VVS1 and VVS2) what Very Very Slightly means. VS (VS1 and VS2) means, Very Slightly Included, SI (SI1, SI2 and SI3) what Slightly Included means and finally P (P1, P2 and P3) what Piqué means.
VVS, VS and SI diamonds have impurities that are not visible with the naked eye. The inclusions are only visible with a loupe with 10 x magnification. Piqué has inclusions that are visible with the naked eye.
If you buy a diamond, then try IF or LC or VVS to choose if they fall within your budget or for VS. A SI can also be good, but it depends on diamond to Diamond.
Of course, it is not only the Cut, Carat, Color and Clarity that determine the value of a diamond. There is also fluorescence and the proportions of the grinding, to name a few, but the 4 C's are a good start.
Diamond cut
The cut refers both to the shape that the diamond has. The cuts made on the diamond, called facets. The round diamond with 58 facets is the most popular and is called brilliant cut. Other popular forms are the emerald cut in the shape of an emerald, marquise cut in the form of American football (sometimes called the football cut) and princess cut that is square. The princess cut is quite popular by some women as an engagement ring. A man should bear in mind that it is usual to spend about two months salary for an engagement ring.
Other popular cuts are pear shape, oval and heart shape. But they all come for less.
The cut also refers how the diamond is made. Uneven or badly placed facets can affect the value and quality of the diamond affect.
|
|
| | Visit our webshop online to make orders or to browse our jewelry collection.  |
