How to Buy a Diamond
More on How to Buy a Diamond
Did the latest trip to the diamond jewelry store have you
spinning around in circles? Maybe, but it is really not that hard- here is how to buy a
diamond. When purchasing a diamond, keep in mind the
four Cs:
Cut- It takes an expert diamond jeweler to make the right cuts
(facets) and proportion
of the diamond. Round brilliant diamonds often have 58 facets. The better the diamond is
proportioned, the more light is able to refract in the diamond.
Carat- How big is the diamond? There are 100 points to a carat. If a diamond is 50 carats,
then it is ½ a carat (there are 5 carats to a gram). Take into account only the size of a
diamond and not it's weight. Remember, two diamonds can be the same in carat, but cut, clarity,
and color can create many differences between the two.
Clarity- This refers to the number, position, and size of imperfections that naturally
occur in the diamonds known as inclusions. Inclusions are similar to birthmarks that interfere
with the way light is refracted and dispersed in the diamond.
Flawless: perfect inside and out
Internally Flawless: may have minor blemishes on the outside.
VVS1, VVS2: have very very small inclusions. VVS1 inclusions can only be seen through the
pavilion. VVS2 inclusions are more visible.
VS1, VS2: have very small inclusions. VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2.
SI1, SI2, SI3: have small inclusions.
I1, I2, I3: have inclusions visible to the naked eye.
Color- The color grading system for loose
diamonds uses the letters of the
alphabet from D through Z with 'D' being the most colorless and therefore
the rarest and most valuable, and 'Z' having the least color and therefore
the least valuable.
Shop for Diamond Jewelry Now
|
