Diamond minefield

As promised, my quick guide to buying a diamond for the engagement ring:

4 Cs Of Diamonds

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 jewellers use when grading diamonds, and they’re the ones you’ll need to understand to buy the right diamond for you.

Cut

Cut is sometimes considered the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. However in my experience, 99% of cuts are very good and then it is a matter of taste & trust : if it looks good, it is good!

Clarity

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. Again though, in my opinion, a flawless diamond is so much more than a very clear one, it is often not worth the extra. Go for a VVS…as we usually do.

 

Colour

Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. All our diamonds are G or better and this negates any problems here.

Carat Weight

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 exponentionally to its size. Around ½ carat is the best deal.

The Fifth C: Certificates

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. These are not often issued on less than one carat stones because they cost about fifty quid. A jeweller can list the deatails on the receipt and it is almost as accurate a safeguard as a certificate.

~ by prudenandsmith on October 24, 2008.