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The 4 C's of Diamond
Quality
Carat Clarity
Color Cut
The Diamond Quality Pyramid is a framework to help you compare
diamonds. While all diamonds are precious, those closest to
the top of the pyramid -- possessing the best combination of
cut, clarity, carat weight and color -- are the earth's
rarest, most valuable and most beautiful to the eye.
Carat
The Larger a Diamond, the Rarer
Larger diamonds are found relatively infrequently in nature,
which places them at the rarest level of the Diamond Quality
Pyramid. What also makes a bigger diamond so desirable is that
it shows off a stone's fine color and cut, and therefore its
brilliance, to its best advantage.
A diamond's size is measured in carat weight, and each carat
is equal to 200 milligrams and is divided into 100 points . A
.75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-point diamond or a 3/4
carat stone.
While larger diamonds are highly prized, diamonds of equal
size may vary widely in value and brilliance, depending on
their qualities of clarity, cut, and color.
Clarity
The Purer a Diamond, the More Brilliant
The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable
and rare it is -- and the higher it is on the Diamond Quality
Pyramid.
Virtually all natural diamonds contain identifying
characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye.
Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10x-magnifying loupe or
microscope, natural phenomena -- called inclusions -- may be
seen. These are nature's birthmarks, and they may look like
tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers.
Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no such
inclusions. Flawless stones are at the peak of the Diamond
Quality Pyramid and are treasured for their rarity and beauty.
Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1
or VVS2. The larger the inclusion, the lower the grade and the
less rare the diamond. Inclusions that can be seen with the
naked eye are graded I1 or I3.
The number, color, type, size and position of surface and
internal birthmarks affect a diamond's value. Major inclusions
can interfere with the path of light that travels through a
diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle and therefore
its value.
Color
The Purer the Color the Rarer the Diamond
Diamonds are graded by color, starting at D and continuing
through the alphabet. Truly colorless stones, graded D,
treasured for their rarity and value, are highest on the
Diamond Quality Pyramid.
While many diamonds appear colorless, they may actually have
subtle yellow or brown tones and these color grades include P
and Q. Although still beautiful, they will be less rare and
therefore less valuable. To appreciate the simple beauty of
each individual stone, you should compare diamonds side by
side at a jeweler or diamond dealer's office.
"Fancy" diamonds -- in well defined colors that
include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow -- are highly
prized and particularly rare.
Cut
The Better Cut a Diamond, the More Brilliant
A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of its shape,
scintillates with fire and light -- offering the greatest
brilliance and value.
While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat weight and
color, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release
its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good
proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-like 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 light: it
spills through the side or bottom. As a result, poorly cut
stones will be less brilliant and beautiful -- and certainly
less valuable -- than well cut diamonds higher on the Diamond
Quality Pyramid.
When it comes to diamond
jewelry, such as Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings, purchase the
diamond that captures the brilliance of the moment. Choosing a
quality diamond to celebrate life's most intimate occasions is
a truly rewarding experience for the one who gives as well as
for the one who receives.
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