| Fine diamonds are among the most coveted of all | | | | -- even those seen only under magnification with |
| gems. Their value, however, differs widely from | | | | a jeweler's loupe -- can alter the brilliance of the |
| one diamond to another. Experts evaluate every | | | | diamond and, thus, effect its value. Clarity levels |
| diamond for rarity and beauty, using four primary | | | | begin with Flawless (F & IF) and move down |
| guidelines. These are called The Four C's -- Cut, | | | | to Very Very Slight (VVS1 & 2), Very Slight |
| Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. | | | | (VS1 & 2), Slightly Included (SL1 & 2), |
| Cut of a DiamondWhen you think of the cut, you | | | | and Included (I1, 2 & 3). |
| probably think of the shape of the diamond. You | | | | Carat Weight of a Diamond The size of a |
| are partially correct. While cut does refer to | | | | diamond is measured, not by its dimensions, but |
| shape, it also refers to the proportions of how | | | | by weight. One carat, the traditional unit of |
| the diamond is actually cut. Diamonds are cut into | | | | measure for diamonds, is equal to approximately |
| many different shapes, reflecting not only popular | | | | 0.2 grams. You may also hear the weight of a |
| taste but the proportions and quality of the rough | | | | diamond referred to in points. A point is equal to 1 |
| diamond. The most popular shapes include Round, | | | | 100 of a carat; therefore, a 75-point diamonds |
| Oval, Square, Princess, Emerald, Baquette, and | | | | equals 0.75 carat. Diamonds of equal weight may |
| Marquise cuts. Many specialty shapes are also | | | | appear slightly different in size, depending on their |
| available. A diamond's overall proportions, as well | | | | depth and proportions. Because they are quite |
| as the size and placement of its many reflective | | | | rare, larger diamonds of gem quality are much |
| surfaces or facets, also play a large part in "cut." | | | | more valuable. |
| The consistency and balance of these can greatly | | | | Rarity & Beauty of a Diamond All |
| affect how the stone captures light and reflects it | | | | gem-quality diamonds are rare, taking billions of |
| back to the eye. | | | | years for nature to form them. The journey |
| Color of a DiamondWith the exception of some | | | | from the mine to you is long and arduous. While |
| fancy colored diamonds, the most valuable | | | | the four C's information helps you to identify the |
| diamonds are those with the least color. The color | | | | quality of the diamond you are purchasing, it is |
| scale for transparent diamonds runs from D-F | | | | the combination of these four characteristics |
| (colorless), G-J (near colorless), K-L (faint yellow), | | | | which determine a diamond's rarity. If you imagine |
| to Z (light yellow). Completely colorless diamonds | | | | a four-sided pyramid, with each side being a |
| are rare. When diamonds are formed with traces | | | | diamond characteristic -- the more readily available |
| of other minerals, rare and beautiful colors can | | | | diamonds form the base of the pyramid while the |
| result. These "fancy" colors range from blue to | | | | rarest diamonds are at the top. Keep this pyramid |
| brilliant yellow to red, brown, pale green, pink, and | | | | in mind when you are selecting your diamond. |
| violet. Because of their rarity, colored diamonds | | | | Your selection of characteristics will determine |
| are highly desirable and may be quite valuable. | | | | rarity and value. And remember -- beauty is in |
| Clarity of a DiamondA diamond's clarity is | | | | the eye of the beholder. A diamond can only be |
| measured by the existence, or absence, of visible | | | | truly perfect if you think it is beautifully perfect |
| flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions | | | | for you. |