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the 4Cs guide
Carat - weight and size do count
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat
is divided into 100 points, so that a diamond of 0.75 carat
weight is 75 points. Carat is the easiest of the 4C's to determine,
but remember - two diamonds of equal carat weight can have
very different values depending on the quality of their cut,
colour and clarity.
The larger the diamond, usually, the rarer it is. Fine quality
can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes and it is
important that you look around for the right size of the diamond
that suits you and the style of jewelry you are buying. When
you try on your diamond jewelry in the store, and it looks
and feels right - it probably is!
Clarity - perfectly clear is a rare find
Most diamonds contain very tiny inclusions that are like
nature's fingerprints, making each diamond unique. Even though
they neither mar its beauty nor endanger its durability, the
fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less they will interfere
with the passage of light through the diamond, and the more
the diamond will sparkle. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone,
have the ability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance.
To determine a diamond's clarity, it is examined under 10-times
magnification by a trained eye, and graded accordingly.
Colour - colourless is extremely rare
Diamonds come in a range of natural colours, from totally
colourless - most rare and valuable - to a light yellow, with
a spectrum of shadings in between. The less colour a diamond
has the more white light can pass effortlessly through and
be dispersed as dazzling rainbows of colour on top.
Still, colour is really a personal choice. So when you choose
your diamond, just look for the one that appeals to you!
Cut - a good cut brings out more sparkle
Many people confuse the cut with the shape of a diamond.
Actually, the cut only refers to the arrangement of a diamond's
facets. So, whatever its shape, a well-cut diamond is the
work of a master cutter. That's because when cut to good proportions,
the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more
brilliance and more sparkle, and therefore commands a higher
value.
Don't worry if you can't tell whether a diamond is well-cut
or not. When you are choosing your diamond, just make sure
you hold it up and see how the light dances around it. In
the end, a well-cut diamond will always look brilliant, no
matter what setting it's in. All you have to do is choose
the piece of jewelry that you feel is right for you.
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