The value of the Diamonds that are contained in such as Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Eternity Rings, Diamond Earrings and all other styles of Diamond Jewellery, as well as with other gemstones, is dependent upon a combination of the 4 C's - Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat (weight).
The grading system that is most often used and respected is that of the GIA (Gemological Institute Of America). This systems is used not just for diamonds, but all families of gemstones.
1. Colour
The amount of colour produced is directly linked to the amount of light that is refracted when it passes through the stone and produces "fire". This spectrum of "fire" is greater when there is less colour in the gemstone, making the stone more valuable.
D. Diamonds are totally colourless. No Colour seen.
E. Colourless. Very small traces of colour.
F. Colourless. Slight colour detected
G-H. Diamonds are near-colourless. The colour is noticeable only when compared to the above better grades.
I-J. Diamond are near-colourless. Some other colour is slightly noticeable.
K-M. Noticeable colour. Very faint to faint yellow-brown tint.
N-Z. More noticeable colour. Faint to more tinted yellow-brown tint.
2. Diamond Clarity
The most sought after and valuable of these gems are those that have the smallest amount of natural inclusions present. These inclusions are unique to each and every gem, and this is the way in which they are graded.
IF. Internally flawless and no surface blemishes under 10x magnification.
VVS. Very, very, slightly included, and similar if any surface blemishes, that are difficult to see when viewed under 10x magnification.
VS. Very slightly included or with surface blemishes that is difficult to see under 10x magnification.
SI. The diamonds have inclusions and external blemishes that are quite easy to see under 10x magnification viewing.
I. Medium or large internal bodies and/or external blemishes, that are relatively easily seen with the naked eye.
3. Cut Of A Diamond
The sparkle or brilliance that is allowed to be generated from within a stone, is down to the quality of the faceted example. The cut does not refer to the shape, such as round brilliant or princess, but indeed the facets.
The cut enables a diamond to make the best use of light so that it will be refracted around the facets and sent through the top as sparkle.
If these cuts are carried out to deep, then before light can be moved around in side, it will be lost through the sides. Alternatively, if the cut is too shallow then this light will be lost through the lower part of the gem before it is refracted.
4. Carats
Whatever the shape of the diamond that is produced, when it is cut shallower than usual, but with the same top dimensions, it will weigh less than expected. Alternatively if cut deeper than expected, but with the normal top proportions, it will weigh more than expected. To get the best out of both worlds, sometimes the top can be cut wider to give the impression of size and gain the "experience" of extra weight, but the depth will be cut shallower to keep down the costs.
The Conclusion
It is easy to buy diamonds if you are not constrained by budget, but if you are not lucky enough to be in this position, then compromises can be had with some or all of the 4 C's, so as you can still get your perfect (nearly) diamond.
If you have diamonds, then please show them off in the way they deserve, and don't just let them hide away in a box.
The grading system that is most often used and respected is that of the GIA (Gemological Institute Of America). This systems is used not just for diamonds, but all families of gemstones.
1. Colour
The amount of colour produced is directly linked to the amount of light that is refracted when it passes through the stone and produces "fire". This spectrum of "fire" is greater when there is less colour in the gemstone, making the stone more valuable.
D. Diamonds are totally colourless. No Colour seen.
E. Colourless. Very small traces of colour.
F. Colourless. Slight colour detected
G-H. Diamonds are near-colourless. The colour is noticeable only when compared to the above better grades.
I-J. Diamond are near-colourless. Some other colour is slightly noticeable.
K-M. Noticeable colour. Very faint to faint yellow-brown tint.
N-Z. More noticeable colour. Faint to more tinted yellow-brown tint.
2. Diamond Clarity
The most sought after and valuable of these gems are those that have the smallest amount of natural inclusions present. These inclusions are unique to each and every gem, and this is the way in which they are graded.
IF. Internally flawless and no surface blemishes under 10x magnification.
VVS. Very, very, slightly included, and similar if any surface blemishes, that are difficult to see when viewed under 10x magnification.
VS. Very slightly included or with surface blemishes that is difficult to see under 10x magnification.
SI. The diamonds have inclusions and external blemishes that are quite easy to see under 10x magnification viewing.
I. Medium or large internal bodies and/or external blemishes, that are relatively easily seen with the naked eye.
3. Cut Of A Diamond
The sparkle or brilliance that is allowed to be generated from within a stone, is down to the quality of the faceted example. The cut does not refer to the shape, such as round brilliant or princess, but indeed the facets.
The cut enables a diamond to make the best use of light so that it will be refracted around the facets and sent through the top as sparkle.
If these cuts are carried out to deep, then before light can be moved around in side, it will be lost through the sides. Alternatively, if the cut is too shallow then this light will be lost through the lower part of the gem before it is refracted.
4. Carats
Whatever the shape of the diamond that is produced, when it is cut shallower than usual, but with the same top dimensions, it will weigh less than expected. Alternatively if cut deeper than expected, but with the normal top proportions, it will weigh more than expected. To get the best out of both worlds, sometimes the top can be cut wider to give the impression of size and gain the "experience" of extra weight, but the depth will be cut shallower to keep down the costs.
The Conclusion
It is easy to buy diamonds if you are not constrained by budget, but if you are not lucky enough to be in this position, then compromises can be had with some or all of the 4 C's, so as you can still get your perfect (nearly) diamond.
If you have diamonds, then please show them off in the way they deserve, and don't just let them hide away in a box.
About the Author:
Before you buy any Diamond Rings, or other Diamond Jewellery, such as Diamond Earrings and Diamond Pendants, then I suggest a visit to www.GlobeJewellery.co.uk.