Diamond Grading Scales and the Four Cs
submitted: Aug 19th 2008 |
by: BradMorgan
Total views: 4 |
Word Count: 479 |
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Diamonds are cherished for their extreme beauty and everlasting durability.
If you are confused about why some diamonds are so much more expensive than others, you are not alone. Why oh why can one diamond engagement ring be worth $8000 and another one that doesn't look that much different to the naked eye be worth only $2000?
Diamonds are graded based on 4 criteria. The first of these is referred to as the carat, which is a measurement of the weight. The more carats the more expensive a diamond becomes. Size is not the only factor that matters however, remember: it is what is on the inside that counts.
After carat weight is obtained, the next aspect that can cause price deviation is the clarity. You can determine the clarity of a particular diamond by a number of features. The term inclusions refers to imperfections inside the diamond, while blemishes refer to imperfections on the surface.
The clarity of a diamond can vary from 'pure' to heavily included. This designation is arrived at after anaylyzing the how many inclusions are found as well where the inclusions are located, whether they are tinted, and how large they are.
Therefore the more severely included a diamond is with crystals, feathers, or other types of internal and external flaws, the lower its value. These deformities are due to the cooling process of the diamonds against other materials. Clarity is highly prized, especially in larger carat diamonds where the imperfections are more detectable.
Color is the next factor that determines a diamond's overall value. If possible, a diamond should be as clear as water, but this is not always the case. Colors from other gases and minerals around during the time of the diamond's formation may have altered its clean appearance and left the gem tinted.
Diamonds range in color from a designation of "D" to "Z", with "D" being no color at all, and "Z" being a diamond with a color that is deep enough to be very noticeable to the human eye.
The cost of a diamond is also determined by one final factor, the cut. The cut of a diamond gives it the ability to glitter by reflecting the light back out in very precise ways.
To view a diamond from the point of view of the cut is to investigate whether or not it has any 'fire'. Like the other criteria for grading, the cut has it's own grading scale that goes from excellent to irregular. If the diamond doesn't knock your socks off then it likely has not been cut very well.
Diamonds are rare, but they are not equally special. Understanding the four important C's of carat, clarity, color and cut that make up the value of a diamond will guide you towards making a better purchase decision.
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Learn more about diamonds today. Uncover why man made diamonds are an impressive option when compared to real diamonds, and how to spot fake diamonds before you pay too much.
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