Find the Perfect Diamond
Finding the perfect diamond is a matter of balancing quality with budget. The quality (and price) of a diamond is affected by many factors, but the most important ones are what as known as the 4 C’s:
- Carat Weight
- Cut
- Clarity
- Colour
Carat Weight
This is the most obvious thing that people equate with the price of a diamond. Most people associate carats with the size of the diamond, but it’s actually a measure of weight. Weight is used because diamonds can be very small and have complex shapes, making it harder to measure their size or volume.
Cut
Cut is the most complex part of determining the quality and price of a diamond. The choices the diamond cutter makes when cutting a stone can really affect its final quality. The shape they choose, and how many flaws are in the resulting shape, all play an important role. Thus the type of cut and the quality of that cut can affect the price of a stone dramatically. That’s why the cut of a diamond is something that is still inspected manually by an experienced appraiser.
The overall type of cut is also an aesthetic choice, and something you’ll want to consider when purchasing your perfect diamond. The chart below illustrates some of the popular cuts for you to choose from:
Aside from the shape, the side profile of the diamond can also affect its brilliance and how well it reflects light. The diagram below shows varying depths of a traditional round cut and how this affects the light moving through it. A proper cut will have the maximum amount of light reflecting back the viewer, which gives the diamond “fire”. A cut with the wrong geometry can result in a diamond that looks dull and lifeless, and thus lower its value.
Colour
Diamonds come in a variety of colours, but the most common ones that are sold range from clear to yellow. Thus a standardized chart has been created with colour grades. The clearer a diamond is, the higher its value (because it’s more rare.) The following chart illustrates the colour codes and general ranges diamonds come in:
Clarity
The final factor is clarity. This is a measure of how many flaws or imperfections a diamond has. A standardized rating system has been created with codes for various levels of clarity, as shown in the chart below:
Purchasing a Diamond
When purchasing a diamond, pay attention to the colour and clarity codes so you can choose a piece that fits your budget and tastes. Generally speaking, the clearer and more flawless a diamond is, the more rare, and thus the higher price it will command.
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You can rely on Janinas’s experienced on staff can help you find the perfect blend of quality and price for your next engagement ring.
