Answer: Cut is considered the most important characteristic contributing to the beauty and value of a diamond. Brilliance of a diamond is determined by the cut, because it is the cut that affects the way light travels through the stone, how much is reflected back to the eye, and how much "leaks" out.
» A well-cut diamond will have lots of brilliance and liveliness.
» A poor cut results in light leakage dulling the brilliance and making the diamond look life-less.
» A lower cut grade diamond costs substantially less than the higher cut grades.This does not necessarily mean that only an excellent cut diamond will have the perfect sparkle. Rather, if you are looking at getting good value for your money, choose 'Very Good' or 'Good' cut grades that showcase the mesmerizing beauty of a diamond without letting you spend a fortune. Don't let anyone confuse you that cut refers to the shape. Shape refers to the physical form or contour of the stone. And cut determines how well is the shape executed.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Carat
Weight of a diamondA larger diamond (one with a higher carat) will cost more than a cluster of smaller diamonds, even if the total carat weight of the diamond cluster is equal to the larger stone. This essentially means that a solitaire ring with a 1 carat stone might cost you more than a 3-stone or 5-stone ring that h1 carat is equal to 100 points or 100 cents. Diamonds are priced on a per carat basis and the cost increases significantly when it reaches the full carat mark and for each carat thereafter. So if you choose a 93 cent diamond, the difference in size would be insignificant, and when set no one would see the difference, but you'll enjoy a big savings in cost.Learn more... ColorDegree to which a diamond is colorlessColor grading for white diamonds involves deciding how closely a stone's body color approaches colorlessness. A clear white diamond can handle light well resulting in good brilliance and scintillation or fire. If you are looking at buying a round brilliant diamond, color grades F – I will provide good value for money. But if you are looking at buying a fancy shaped diamond such as marquise, pear or princess (in which color is highlighted in the corners) or emerald cut diamond (in which color and clarity are more pronounced), choose from higher color grades E - G.as stones with a total weight of 1 carat.
What are the basic things I need to know before I start shopping for a diamond?
Answer: Before you even begin looking for a diamond, educate yourself about the 4Cs so you understand how to juggle these characteristics to achieve a high-budget look at a reasonable price. CutAngles and proportions of a diamondThe cut of a diamond reflects the way in which the diamond is proportioned, angled and faceted such that it best reflects light, resulting in maximum brilliance. A high quality cut (that comprises of balanced proportions, perfect angles, symmetrical facets and well polished surface) enhances the innate beauty of a diamond and increases its value. The ‘Very Good’ and ‘Good’ cut grades offer great quality stones reasonably priced as compared to the ‘Ideal’ / ‘Excellent’ cut grades.Learn more... ClarityPresence of inclusions in a diamondAll diamonds have identifying characteristics or inclusions, most of which are not visible to the naked eye. Small inclusions neither scar a diamond’s beauty not endanger its durability. To view a diamond’s clarity, the diamond is closely viewed under 10x magnifying loupe. The ‘Very Slightly Included’ (VS1, VS2) and ‘Slightly Included’ (SI1, SI2) grades represent stones that have a fine balance of quality and cost, making these stones a value for money purchase.Learn more...
The Diamond Buying Guide
Buying a diamond is not just another purchase; it is an emotive investment decision that needs to be considered carefully. The common concerns are:
» What should one prefer - a larger diamond or a smaller diamond of higher quality?
» Which is a more important consideration - cut or color?
» Solitaire or multi-stone ring?The following set of questions and answers aim to address the common concerns while buying diamonds and empower consumers to make educated buying decisions.
» What should one prefer - a larger diamond or a smaller diamond of higher quality?
» Which is a more important consideration - cut or color?
» Solitaire or multi-stone ring?The following set of questions and answers aim to address the common concerns while buying diamonds and empower consumers to make educated buying decisions.
0.76 Cts. Fancy Intense Yellow Marquise Diamond
1.22 Cts. Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow Cushion Diamond
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