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The 4C’s
CARAT
A diamond’s weight is measured in what is
known as a ‘carat’, which is a small unit of measurement equal to 200 milligrams.
Carat is not a measure of a diamond’s size, but rather a measure of a diamond’s
weight. One carat can also be divided in 100 points. A .75 carat diamond is the
same as 75 points or 3/4 carat diamond. Because larger diamonds are found less frequently
in nature, they are more valuable. Therefore, a 1 carat diamond will cost more than
twice a 1/2 carat diamond, assuming other characteristics are similar. The most
important thing to remember when it comes to a diamond’s carat weight is that it
is not the only factor that determines a diamond’s value. The diagram to the right
shows the size of various carat weights of a diamond in relation to each other.
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CLARITY
Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions
are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, that appear
while diamonds are being formed. They may look like tiny crystals, pin points, clouds
or feathers. Inclusions are usually viewed at 10x magnification. The position of
inclusions can greatly affect the value of a diamond. Some inclusions can be hidden
by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion
in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, making the
diamond less brilliant. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection known as
the clarity scale. The scale ranges from F (Flawless) to I (Included) and is based
on the visibility of inclusions at 10X magnification.
COLOR
Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.
The farther from colorless that a diamond's grade is, the less rare and therefore
less valuable it is. Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from D (Colorless) to Z. Icy winter whites
(D-I) look stunning in white gold or platinum. Warmer colored diamonds (J-Z) are
more desirable when set in yellow gold. Color differences can be very subtle and
grading is done under controlled lighting and compared against a ‘master’ for accuracy.
This color chart is representative of the color grades of a diamond.
CUT
Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond. The
cut of a diamond refers to the exact proportions, quality of polish and the arrangement
of a diamond's facets. While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat weight
and color, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release the diamonds’
fire and sparkle. A diamond has facets that allow light to enter it, become refracted,
and exit in a rainbow of colors. As illustrated below, when a diamond is cut to
ideal proportions, is carefully polished and has exact symmetry, light will then
reflect from one facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting
in a display of brilliance and fire. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow,
lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance, fire,
scintillation and value. The cut can affect the value of a diamond by up to 35%!
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