Diamond Carat A Diamonds weight is expressed in carats. In order to get the exact carat weight the diamond must be loose. One carat is divided into 100 points so that a diamond of 100 points is described as one carat in size and is listed as 1.00 carat.
	Diamond Color Color choices for a diamond are limitless, but colorless diamonds are the most valuable. Colorless diamonds have a high value because of rarity and they are the most brilliant of the stone choices. A little color can diminish a stone's brilliance.
	Diamond Cut Diamond cut is related to the proportion of the diamond. Cut more than any other quality gives the diamond its sparkle. A diamond gets its brilliance from polishing the facets which allows the maximum amount of light to be reflected.
	Diamond Clarity A diamond with the fewest inclusions is very rare and highly valued. The small inclusions are what makes each diamond unique. Clarity is determined by the number, size, and location of the inclusions with most being invisible to the naked eye.
	Round Shape Diamonds A round diamond is the most popular shape for a diamond and accounts for the majority of diamonds sold today.
	Oval Shape Diamonds An oval diamond has is an elongated version of the round shape which gives an illusion of length to the hand.
	Marquis Shape Diamonds A marquise diamond has an elongated shape with pointed ends.
	Princess Shape Diamonds A princess diamond is either square or rectangular in shape and brilliantly cut.
	Asscher Shape Diamonds The Asscher shape diamond was developed in 1902 by the Asscher brothers of Holland. It is a steped square cut with cropped corners.
	Emerald Shape Diamonds An emerald cut diamond is a rectangular shape with cut corners, broad flat planes, and a step cut.

How to Buy a Diamond

There are 4 C’s to always keep in mind when purchasing a diamond:

CARAT – The size and weight of a diamond is always classified by carats and points. One hundred points make up one carat. A diamond that weighs less then one hundred points is sometimes identified in point size, for example a .55 carat diamond can also be titled as a 55 point diamond. When diamonds are mined, larger stones are found a lot less frequently then smaller stones making larger diamonds more valuable. Usually, the pricing of diamonds goes up with the carat size.

CLARITY – The greater a diamond’s clarity, the greater its brilliance, sparkle, and value. Diamonds that have perfect clarity are the most sought after and therefore are the most expensive. Most diamonds have inclusions, which are scratches, trace minerals, or any other tiny flaw that takes away from the natural beauty of a diamond. These so called birthmarks resemble tiny clouds, crystals, and/or feathers. Diamonds that are classified as flawless show no inclusions, these are rare and sought after because of their beauty. Diamonds with extremely tiny inclusions follow flawless diamonds in quality, because the larger and the more visible the inclusions the lower the quality and rarity forcing the value of that diamond to go down. The number, type, color, position, and size of surface and internal inclusions affect the value of the diamond. The reason for this being that large inclusions can disrupt the path of light as it travels through the stone, taking away from its sparkle and value. Rating are marked as FL for flawless, IF for internally flawless, VVS1 and VVS2 for very very slightly included, SI1 and SI2 slightly included.

CUT – The cut of a diamond, or the roundness, depth, width, and uniformity of the facets, determine a diamond’s brilliance. The width and depth have the greatest effect on how light travels through and exits a diamond in the form of brilliance. In a diamond that has been cut too shallow light is lost through the sides causing the diamond to lose its brilliance. In a diamond that is cut too deep light will escape through the bottom causing the diamond to appear dark and dull. The proportions of a diamond, specifically the depth compared to the diameter, and the diameter of the table compared to the diameter of the diamond, determine how light will reflect and refract within a diamond. While nature establishes the color, clarity, and carat weight of a diamond a skilled artisan is necessary to unveil a diamond’s inner beauty. When a diamond is cut well, light reflects from one mirror like facet to another and radiates through the top of the diamond.

COLOR – Diamonds are graded by color. Acting as a prism a diamond can divide light into a spectrum of colors and reflect this light as colorful flashes called fire. A true colorless stone is very rare and sought after for their quality. The less color in a diamond, the more colorful the fire, the better the color grade. Grading goes by the letters in the alphabet, D being the greatest color quality and Z being the lowest color quality.

Definitions you should know: Girdle: The narrow band around the widest part of a diamond. Diameter: The width of the diamond measured through the girdle. Table: The largest facet of a gemstone. Crown: The top portion of a diamond extending from the girdle to the table.

Care of Diamonds

Even though diamonds last forever, they must be cleaned periodically to ensure their brilliance. A solution of one part ammonia and six parts water can be used to clean diamond jewelry. It is also a good idea to have your diamonds checked once a year by a professional to ensure the setting is secure.
 

More On Diamond Jewelry

■  Diamond Buying And Selection Guide ■  Engagement Ring Advice for Men ■  Engagement Ring Options ■  How to Make a Diamond Look Larger Than its True Carat Weight ■  Fancy Color Diamonds ■  Diamond Color Treatments ■  Clarity Enhanced Diamonds ■  Diamond Laser Inscription ■  Learn the 4C's - Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight ■  Learn About Diamond Shapes ■  Learn About Diamond Cut ■  Learn About Diamond Colors ■  Learn About Diamond Clarity ■  Learn About Diamond Settings ■  Learn About Diamond Weights ■  Learn About Diamond Fluorescence ■  Learn About Diamond Inclusions ■  Learn About Diamond Blemishes ■  Learn About Diamond Carat Weight Options ■  Learn About Diamond History & Legends ■  Resetting an Heirloom Diamond ■  Caring For Your Diamond ■  How To Clean Your Diamond Ring ■  Tips For Care And Cleaning Of Fine Jewelry ■  Jewelry Learning Center - Home