Buying Diamonds:
Buying Diamonds
When you're buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually stated as carats. Each factor affects the price. Color is sometimes "graded" on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a "D" may be the best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represents the color of the diamond you're considering. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.
Understand the 4 Cs
Diamond quality is determined by four factors: cut, color, clarity and carat weight.
Cut
This is regarded as the most important determinant as the cut gives each diamond its sparkle, and its shape. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light, thus making the diamond less brilliant and valuable.
On the color grading scale, truly colorless stones are the most valuable, and are graded D. Diamonds with subtle yellow or brown tones are regarded as inferior and graded P and Q.
Clarity
The fewer inclusions, or internal flaws, in a diamond, the better its clarity and the higher its value. Diamonds with very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. Inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1 or I3.
Carat
A diamond's size is measured in carat weight, with one carat equal to 100 points. A .50 carat diamond is the same as a 50-point diamond or a ½ carat stone.
