- Written by: Doug Diamond
- Category: Diamonds
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- Written by: Doug Diamond
- Category: Diamonds
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A diamond is more than a piece of jewelry, it's an investment. Many people feel intimidated by the idea of buying a diamond on their own. Fear not. There is an easy way to understand how to determine a diamond's characteristics and value — the 4C's.
- Written by: Doug Diamond
- Category: Diamonds
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Carat refers to the weight of a diamond.
Carat is often confused with size even though it is actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 “points.” For example, a .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat diamond.
Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller) than its actual weight. So shop around and talk to your jeweler to find the right diamond and setting to optimize the beauty of your stone.
- Written by: Doug Diamond
- Category: Diamonds
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Color refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.
Diamonds range in color from icy winter whites to warm summer whites. Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colorless) to Z.
Warmer colored diamonds (K–Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D–J) look stunning set in white gold or platinum.
Color differences are very subtle and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an E and an F. Therefore, colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.
Truly colorless stones, graded D, treasured for their rarity, are highest on the Diamond Quality Pyramid. Color, however, ultimately comes down to personal taste. Ask a jeweler to show you a variety of color grades next to one another to help you determine your color preference.
- Written by: Doug Diamond
- Category: Diamonds
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Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.
Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics, such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.