The Defining Characteristics Of A Diamond

The diamond is a very precious and rare gemstone. It has certain defining qualities and characteristics, making it a unique and special stone. If you want to buy diamonds then you should have some basic knowledge about the characteristics so that you make a very well informed decision and get something that is worth your money. The overall quality and value of a diamond depends on four factors that are explained as under.

Color: It is very important to view a loose diamond that has not been mounted, under a source of neutral light, when you want to examine it carefully. This will help you get a clear view of its color. As far as the color is concerned, there is a scale on which the diamond's color is rated. It goes from D to Z (D is the rate given to the whitest diamond and Z is for diamonds that are light yellow in color and tinted). Color grade of G to J is considered to be the best for most jewelry items.

Today, you can find different colors in diamonds, but in case of a white diamond it is essential to know how the scale works and where the point on which your choice of diamond can be rated in the spectrum lies. The appearance of this gem can also get affected by its mounting. If you set a yellowish diamond in yellow gold, it will look white.

Cut: Cut is one factor that determines the beauty and brilliance of the diamond. If it is not cut in the right manner, it will lose its sparkle. Approximately 40% price of the diamond depends on how well it has been cut. A well-cut diamond reflects light and a dramatic sparkling effect is created which only a diamond can emit. The exact required precision can be provided only by skilled craftsmen, to make the stone dazzle and sparkle to its fullest.

Clarity: Clarity in diamond is all about the nature and number of blemishes or inclusions visible in it. These inclusions can be seen only when you view the gem under the microscope. According to many diamond professionals, clarity is quality or purity. A blemish on a diamond is any imperfection that is present on the surface. Inclusions are small spots that a diamond has. The clarity of this unique gem can be determined by five factors: position, the size, number, relief and nature of the inclusion.

Relief is the visibility level of imperfections. You can understand the diamond's clarity scale very easily. It is either flawless or internally flawless and goes to VS (very slightly included), VVS (very very slightly included), 'Imperfect or Included', and SI (slightly included). These are very easy to remember and understand.

There are varying levels of each of these and if you know them well you will be able to understand how important clarity is, for a diamond. A diamond that is rated 'Imperfect' has inclusions visible without the help of microscope. But inclusions in SI rated diamonds cannot be seen with naked eyes. Due to this reason diamonds with an SI rating are considered to be best value for money investment.

Carat: This is the most obvious factor that determines the diamond's price to a great extent. Carat is weight of the gem and to make an ounce, the count being 142.

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