For centuries diamonds have been known for its indestructible nature. Because of this, it has become a symbol of enduring love and commitment, as well as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Colour, clarity, cut and carat are the four C’s associated with diamonds. These are the four factors to consider when determining the value of a diamond.
The colour of a diamond is based on a scale from the Gemological Institute. Actually, when it comes to colour in a diamond, the less colour there is, the more valuable the diamond is. Diamonds that are not in the normal colour range are considered to be ‘fancy’ diamonds. These ‘fancy’ diamonds come in a variety of colours. Diamonds that are ranked between K-Z are considered yellow diamonds and can range from having a very faint yellow tint to having a distinct yellow colour.
The next ‘C’ is clarity. Clarity is also graded on a scale and refers to the clearness of the diamond. This clarity scale is ranked from grade F1, which is flawless, to grade 13, which is considered imperfect.
Flawless diamonds are extremely rare. If a diamond is flawless there are no inclusions (flaws) under a microscope. Some flawless diamonds may have very slight imperfections that cannot necessarily be seen under a microscope.
The third ‘C’ is cut. When referring to the cut of a diamond, it means the shape of the diamond. The shape of the diamond is important as it is what gives it its sparkle. There are many different cuts of diamonds, the most popular being round, emerald, princess and marquise.
The round cut is probably the most popular, while an emerald cut has a less brilliant, glassier look opted by people looking for a more subdued look. The princess cut is a more brilliant version of the round cut, while a marquise cut diamond is considered a fancy cut.
The final ‘C’ to consider when purchasing a quality diamond is its carat weight. This refers to the weight of the diamond and not the size. This is not a factor in the quality of the diamond, but just a basic measurement of the diamond. The only reason that diamonds with larger carat sizes are more valuable is because larger stones are more rare.
When involved in a diamond exchange, it is important to know the value and quality of a diamond. According to the old adage, ‘A diamond lasts forever’, so take your diamond during a diamond exchange and find out its value.
Author bio
This article was written for The Gold Company and offers tips on gold and diamond exchange.