CARAT : A
diamond’s weight is measured in what is known as a
‘carat’, which is a small unit of measurement equal to
200 milligrams. Carat is not a measure of a diamond’s
size, but rather a measure of a diamond’s weight. One
carat can also be divided in 100 points. A .75 carat
diamond is the same as 75 points or 3/4 carat diamond.
Because larger diamonds are found less frequently in
nature, they are more valuable. Therefore, a 1 carat
diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2 carat diamond,
assuming other characteristics are similar. The most
important thing to remember when it comes to a
diamond’s carat weight is that it is not the only
factor that determines a diamond’s value. The diagram
to the right shows the size of various carat weights
of a diamond in relation to each other.
CLARITY : Refers to the presence of
inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are natural identifying
characteristics such as minerals or fractures, that appear
while diamonds are being formed. They may look like tiny
crystals, clouds or feathers.
Inclusions are usually viewed at
10x magnification. The position of inclusions can
greatly affect the value of a diamond. Some inclusions
can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect
on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle
or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of
light, making the diamond less brilliant. Inclusions
are ranked on a scale of perfection known as the
clarity scale. The scale ranges from F (Flawless) to I
(Included) and is based on the visibility of
inclusions at 10X magnification.
COLOR : Refers to the degree to which a
diamond is colorless. The farther from colorless that a
diamond's grade is, the less rare and therefore less
valuable it is. Diamonds are graded on a color scale
established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA),
which ranges from D (Colorless) to Z. Icy winter whites
(D-I) look stunning in white gold or platinum. Warmer
colored diamonds (J-Z) are more desirable when set in
yellow gold. Color differences can be very subtle and
grading is done under controlled lighting and compared
against a ‘master’ for accuracy. This color chart is
representative of the color grades of a diamond.
CUT : Refers to
the angles and proportions of a diamond. The cut of a
diamond refers to the exact proportions, quality of
polish and the arrangement of a diamond's facets.
While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat
weight and color, the hand of a master craftsman is
necessary to release the diamonds’ fire and sparkle. A
diamond has facets that allow light to enter it,
become refracted, and exit in a rainbow of colors. As
illustrated at right, when a diamond is cut to ideal
proportions, is carefully polished and has exact
symmetry, light will then reflect from one facet to
another and disperse through the top of the stone,
resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.
Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow, lose or
leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in
less brilliance, fire, scintillation and value. The
cut can affect the value of a diamond by up to 35%!
