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CARAT
: A diamond's weight is measured in ‘carats’. 1 ct = 200 mg.
The carat weight is not a measure of a diamond's size. 1 ct = 100 points,
so a .75 carat
diamond is the same as 75 points or 3/4 carat diamond. Diamond
prices increase exponentially with size because larger diamonds are more
rare, so they are more
valuable. Therefore, a 1 ct diamond will cost more than twice
a 1/2 carat diamond (with other variances aside). When buying a diamond,
remember that the carat weight is only one of the determining factors of
price, so bigger is not necessarily better.
CLARITY
: Refers to the inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions
are natural characteristics such as minerals or fractures,
that appear during the formation of diamonds. They may look like
tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. Inclusions are usually considered if
they can be viewed
at 10x magnification. Gemologists can certify a diamond to map out the
placement of inclusions (along with other characteristics), which then
acts as a fingerprint for the stone.
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
more color a diamond contains, 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.
| D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
X |
Y |
Z |
| Colorless |
Near
Colorless |
Faint
Yellow |
Very Light
Yellow |
Light
Yellow |
Yellow |
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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.
When a diamond is cut to ideal proportions, it 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%.
CONFIDENCE: Keeping up with industry jargon doesn't guarantee
that you are buying a quality stone at a fair price. When you
make this kind of investment you need to make an informed decision
and purchase from a jeweler you trust. So come to J Bennett
Jewelry with your diamond questions - we love to sit down and share
our wisdom with you! We build lasting relationships and you
can be sure that we will be here for you down the road if you need us even after your big purchase. |
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