Buying a diamond is a big decision and we want to make sure you’re educated before making this decision. Here are four things that need to be considered when investing in a diamond.
Cut
The first C & the most important being Cut. Cut is the most important because it is a significant factor on the diamond sparkle. A diamond’s cut refers to how well-proportioned the dimensions of a diamond are, and how these surfaces, or facets, are positioned to create sparkle and brilliance.
Clarity
The second C is the Clarity of a diamond. This refers to the absence of inclusions, blemishes and small imperfections on the surface and within the diamond itself.
The GIA Diamond clarity scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.
- Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes under 10X magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions under a 10X magnification
- Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under a 10X magnification
- Very Slightly included (VS!and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under a 10X magnification, but can be characterized as minor.
- Slightly Included (SI1and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under a 10X magnification
- Included (I1, I2 and I3) Inclusions are obvious under a 10X magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance.
Color
The third C is Color. The less color in the diamond the higher the grade the diamond is.
- Colorless diamonds: The highest quality range from D-F in the color scale.
- Near-colorless diamonds: No discernible color; great value for the quality range from G-H Color and I-J Color.
- Faint color diamonds: Budget-friendly and works beautifully with yellow gold range K in color.
Carat
The final C Carat. Carat is a diamond's weight, not its size. The larger carat weight is not always better than a smaller carat weight.
The four c’s of carat weight is not related to sparkle. Beautiful sparkle is the result of a well-crafted cut. In fact, a high carat weight diamond with a poor cut may look smaller than a diamond with a smaller carat weight and a very good cut.
The carat, cut, clarity and color of the diamond and a combination determine a diamond's value. You can get a diamond in any budget, you just have to work with an experienced fine jewelry designer who understands your needs and goals.