Diamond Education
Diamond Education
Diamond Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight are collectively termed the 4Cs – the factors that, when combined, define a diamond’s quality and ultimately determine its value. GIA created the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, which has become the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The creation of the 4Cs means that diamond quality can be communicated in a universal language so diamond purchasers know exactly what they are buying.
Diamond Color
Diamond Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight are collectively termed the 4Cs – the factors that, when combined, define a diamond’s quality and ultimately determine its value. GIA created the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, which has become the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The creation of the 4Cs means that diamond quality can be communicated in a universal language so diamond purchasers know exactly what they are buying.
Clarity
Natural diamonds form from carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. Diamonds often contain clarity characteristics, called inclusions or blemishes. Inclusions are enclosed within the gem and blemishes are on the surface of the diamond. If all else is equal, the closer a diamond is to flawless, with no inclusions or blemishes, the higher its value.
Diamond Cut
A diamond’s cut determines its sparkle. To fashion a stone with proportions, symmetry and polish worthy of an excellent cut grade requires artistry and workmanship. The finer the cut quality, the more sparkle the diamond has.
Carat Weight
Diamond weight is measured in carats. One carat is equal to 0.2 gram, about as heavy as a paperclip. Since larger diamonds are more rare, they will cost more than a smaller gem with the same color, clarity and cut grades.
Diamond Shape
A Diamond’s Shape refers to the outline of a Diamond and the general shape it appears like. This is not to be confused with a Diamond’s Cut which pertains to the make or manufacturing fineness of a Diamond and the proportions and Dimensions to which a Diamond is cut.
Each Diamond Shape has its own Diamond Cut grade e.g., Ideal or Excellent and Very Good. The most recognizable shape of a Diamond and representing the vast majority of Diamonds sold is the Round Brilliant Diamond as shown here.
However, other shapes belonging to two family of cuts exists and those are Step Cuts.
referring to your Emerald Cuts, Baguettes, among others and the others refers to brilliant cuts such as Pears, Ovals, Marquises, etc.
Brilliant Cuts tend to have more facets and as a result are said to exhibit more fire and sparkle. While Step Cuts although may appear to have less fire, tend to look whiter and cost less.
However, other shapes belonging to two family of cuts exists and those are Step Cuts referring to your Emerald Cuts, Baguettes, among others and the others refers to brilliant cuts such as Pears, Ovals, Marquises, etc.
Brilliant Cuts tend to have more facets and as a result are said to exhibit more fire and sparkle. While Step Cuts although may appear to have less fire, tend to look whiter and cost less.
While non round shapes or as we say fancy shapes which refer to all the shapes apart from Round tend to be cheaper apples to apples versus Rounds the cost savings are mitigated in large part by the face up size difference that a Round of the same or similar carat weight will show.
In short, a 1 carat Round might cost 10 to 20% more than 1 carat Princess Cut Diamond in the same carat weight and with most or all other parameters being the same but it will also appear 10 to 20% bigger than a comparable Princess Cut Diamond.
Therefore, and once again it is good to use carat weight as a guide to optical impact – but when your Diamond or Diamonds come together with other gemstones, diamonds or even on its own as a solitaire set in a gold or platinum setting – then as an ensemble you will find the sum is greater than the parts.
Diamonds Defined
While the World of Diamonds has always been associated with Glitz and Glamour, as people become increasingly knowledgeable about Diamonds both the layman and the expert, there is value to be found and pitfalls to avoid that will ensure you walk away with the right stone and the right price and from the right source.
Additionally, the layman need not worry about having to undertake any major research into the world of Diamonds in order to make an informed purchase, the laboratories that grade Diamonds, the trade industry bodies and market players are largely geared towards removing industry jargon and standardization of terminology.
In essence if an expert and a layman were to come together and asked to choose between or rank 5 or 10 diamonds based on their certificates or quality parameters, it is highly likely both would come to the same or similar ranking. This is very different from 30 years ago where certificates were considered unnecessary or an additional cost or the reason diamond prices get inflated.
All in all, if the Diamond looks good and does what you expect a Diamond to do, which is sparkle, have luster, have presence then it is likely a good diamond and in order to make sure, you have supplementary materials at hand e.g. certificates from bonafide laboratories, independent appraisals from accredited bodies or expert advice. Finally, however, the decision should be a culmination of the above and superseded by your instinct.
Book an appointment with us to learn about the fascinating world of Diamonds and if you still have questions, one of our experts will be glad to guide you through the process to find the Diamond or Diamonds right for you which can be set in a design of your choice through our customized process.
Earrings