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When buying a diamond,
it is vitally important to know about the 4 C's. They are cut,
color, clarity, and carat weight. Together, the 4 C's determine
a diamond's value. It is essential to learn about each of the
4 C's before purchasing a diamond because each C speaks differently
to each individual. For some, the carat weight is the most important
while for others it is the cut.
Cut
To many, cut is the most important of the 4 C's. Each diamond
is cut using an exact mathematical formula that unleashes
its brilliance and fire. It also refers to the number of facets
that the diamond has. The most common cut is the round brilliant.
The round brilliant has 58 flat, polished facets that reflect
the maximum amount of light. The mathematical formula also
takes into account the depth of the cut. If a diamond is cut
too shallow or too deep it will lose some of its fire. A well-cut
diamond will reflect the light and refract it back out to
your eye. Cut is not to be confused with shape.
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Color
While diamonds come in every color of the spectrum, the most
valuable diamond color is colorless. Truly colorless diamonds
are extremely rare and as a result are expensive. They are
graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute
of America (GIA). Diamonds range from D (colorless) to Z.
The further down in the alphabet the diamond is, the more
yellow it appears. Color can best be determined by looking
at a loose diamond on a pure white surface, and by noting
any contrast.
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Carat
Some people believe that carat refers to the size of a diamond
while in actuality; carat is the term used to measure a diamond's
weight. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are
142 carats to an ounce. One carat is made up of one hundred
points. The larger the diamond, the greater its rarity. Because
larger diamonds are more rare, they generally have a greater
value per carat.
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Clarity
Internal imperfections and external irregularities affect
the clarity of the diamond by interfering with the passage
of light throughout the stone. Imperfections such as spots,
lines, or bubbles are known as inclusions. The diamond is
more valuable when it has fewer inclusions. According to the
GIA's quality analysis system, clarity is graded on a scale
ranging from flawless (FL or IF) to imperfect (I). The system
is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification
of 10x.
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| While
these are the 4 most recognized C's, a fifth and less recognized,
yet equally important C does exist. That is Confidence. Confidence
in your jeweler is extremely important when buying this piece
of jewelry that will last forever, and be passed down among
generations. It is important to shop at a professional jeweler,
one that is a member of a professional trade association such
as Jewelers of America (JA). JA requires high ethical standards
of its members and provides them with ongoing education. |
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