Choosing A Diamond

Choosing a diamond can be a daunting task, so here are a couple of things to look for when choosing the perfect diamond.

The 4-C’s

Selecting a quality diamond at a great price starts with an understanding of the 4-C’s Carat weight, Cut, Color and Clarity. Nobody is more qualified to help you identify the right combination of these characteristics than your local jeweler. Educate yourself as best you can online, and when you’re ready, visit your jeweler to make your final decision. It’s the best way to ensure you get a deal you feel good about on a ring that’ll impress her as well as everybody she shows it off to.

Carat Weight

Diamond weight is measured in carats. There are five carats in a gram, and 100 points in each carat. For example, a 50-point diamond is a half-carat diamond. As a general rule, larger diamonds are more rare and valuable. But size does not determine beauty and brilliance. Two stones of the same carat weight can have very different values depending on their cut, color and clarity.

Cut

Cut is the most important contributor to a diamond’s fire and brilliance. Diamonds that are cut to precise proportions bounce light from one facet to another. But if the pavilion angle is cut too deep, your diamond will look dark. If it is too shallow, your diamond will look watery. It takes a skilled master craftsman to cut a diamond with pinpoint precision and effectively release its true scintillation.

Colour

Diamonds are graded on the GIA color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The most expensive diamonds are found at either end of the scale, due to their rarity.

Clarity

The clearer a diamond is, the rarer it is. Most diamonds contain natural ‘inclusions’ that resemble tiny crystals. These are the birthmarks that make each stone unique. The number, size and position of these inclusions affect the value. The Gemological Institute of America clarity scale ranges from Fl (flawless) to I3 (many inclusions visible to the naked eye).

Shape

To most people, the word, diamond conjures images of the ever-popular and always classic round stone. Going this route is almost guaranteed to get you the reaction you’re looking for, but you can also choose one of the more unique shapes collectively referred to as fancy cuts.

Shape does not affect the quality of the stone. If it is well cut its brilliance and value will endure no matter what. The shape of the rough diamond crystal usually dictates the shape of the stone. All are cut for maximum fire and brilliance, but facet shape varies with the cut and as a result, filters light differently. Additionally, some designs are more suited to a particular shape.