Various characteristics of diamonds are graded and
categorized by the diamond industry. Learning about diamonds
is first learning about the "four Cs" of diamonds which are
considered the most important grades and categories:
- Cut
- Clarity
- Color
- Carat weight
These are the criteria jewelers use when grading diamonds,
and they're the ones you'll need to understand to buy the
right diamond for you.
And then there's the "Fifth C":
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.
Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that
occur during the formation process. The visibility, number
and size of these inclusions determine what is called the
clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more
brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced.
Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow
the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds
absorb light, inhibiting brilliance.
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.
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. |
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