UNDERSTANDING DIAMONDS
All diamonds are not created equal, and no two diamonds are exactly alike. Diamonds were formed deep in the earth over millions of years ago and have been considered magical symbols of love and romance, wealth and power, rarity and purity. Since each diamond is special, it's important that you understand the basic characteristics used to determine a diamonds value.
CARAT is the universal measure of a diamonds weight. Carats are further divided into points, with one carat equaling 100 points. When fractions are used, they sometimes give a range of weight. For instance, a half carat diamond can weigh between 46 (.46ct) and 56 points (.56ct). Exact parameters can vary between dealers.
3/4ct = .70-.83ct
3/8 = .37-.42ct
1/3ct = .30-.36ct
1/4ct = .23-.29ct
COLOR of a diamond is actually valued as the absence of color. Although most diamonds appear colorless, the best way to see its true color is to look through its side while placing it against a white surface. Color grades are based on the subtle shade deviations ranging from colorless to a degree of yellow tint. Visible differences between one color grade to the next are very subtle.
| COLORLESS |
NEAR COLORLESS |
| FAINT YELLOW |
VERY FAINT YELLOW |
| LIGHT YELLOW |
FANCY YELLOW |
Diamonds also come in a variety of Afancy@ colors including green, blue, pink, and red. These colors are even more rare, and therefore, more valuable.
CLARITY is the measure of a diamonds purity or lack of internal birthmarks (natural imperfections that were born in the diamond during its formation, sometimes called inclusions). Because less than 1% of all diamonds are considered flawless (without any inclusions), the fewer and smaller the birthmarks, the more rare and more valuable the diamond is. Therefore, severe or multiple inclusions that affect a diamonds beauty and brilliance also diminish its value.
| IF |
Internally flawless (extremely rare) |
| VVS1-VVS2 |
Very, very slightly included |
| VS1-VS2 |
Very slightly included |
| SI1-SI2 |
Slightly included |
| I1 |
Included |
| I2 |
Promotionally included |
| I3 |
Heavily included |
CUT refers to how well a diamond is proportioned to make the best use of the light that enters it. A full-cut diamond has 58 facets, which are small, flat, polished surfaces designed to maximize the light to be reflected back to the viewer. This reflection, known as brilliance, is an extremely important factor when evaluating the quality of a diamond. If the cut is too deep or too shallow, some light will get trapped or escape through the bottom of the diamond before it can be reflected, making it appear dull and lifeless.
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