Diamond Education

Every diamond is unique. Understanding a little about diamonds before buying is very important.

 

Diamonds come in various shapes, sizes and colors. A systematic approach is adopted in understanding a diamond. When discussing diamonds there are 4 C’s to consider (Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat). Weight is an important factor in determining the quality of a finished diamond. The value of a finished diamond is based on the combination of 4 C’s.

COLOR

Color means grading the diamond based on its transparency. Two diamonds of same cut, clarity and weight can vary in price on account of color. Colorless diamonds are rare and hence more valuable. The GIA D to Z grading scale is universally used for Color grading the diamonds.

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Perfection
If you are looking for perfection then diamond grade of D, E and F should be selected.

Value for Money
G, H, I and J grade diamond offer excellent value for money with very little or no noticeable Color to the unaided eye.

CLARITY

Clarity in diamonds is measured by absence or presence of inclusions or blemishes that diamonds with least imperfections get highest grades. Inclusions are internal imperfections whereas blemishes are surface irregularities. These inclusions & blemishes affect the appearance of diamond after it has been cut and polished. Diamonds graded flawless do not have visible inclusions or blemishes when examined under 10X magnifying glass.

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The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.

Flawless (FL)
No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification.

Internally Flawless (IF)
No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2 )
Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnifications.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.

Included (I1, I2 and I3)
Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance.

CUT

The beauty of the diamond depends more on cut than on any other factor. The brilliance, scintillation and dispersiveness of the diamond depends on cutting precision & finish of a diamond. The higher the cut grade, the brighter the diamond.
According to GIA laboratory there are many variations and combinations of proportions that will maximize brilliance & fire in round brilliant cut diamonds. Shapes other than round brilliant cut are called fancy cut or fancies. The best-known fancy shapes are Princess, Pear, Oval, Heart and Emerald Cut.

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A well cut and proportioned diamond will have each facet properly placed and angled so that maximum amount of light reflects from the Crown (Top) of the diamond. This reflected light is perceived as scintillation fire and brilliance.

Cut grade
Excellent

Reflects nearly all the light that enters diamond creating exceptional sparkle and brilliance.

 

Very Good

Reflects most of the light that enters the diamond. Appears very similar to excellent cut but at a lower price.

 

Good

Value for money as compared to higher cut grades. Reflects majority of the light but the sparkle is diminished.

 

Fair

Allow the light to escape from sides or bottom thus reducing the brilliance.

 

Poor

Poor Allows most of the light to escape from sides or bottom. The diamond appears dull and lifeless.


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CARAT WEIGHT

The carat is the diamonds physical weight measured in metric carat. One carat equals to 200 milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 points; Ex. 0.25 carat is described as twenty five pointer whereas 1.05 carat would be describes as 1 point O five carat. Diamond price increases with diamond carat weight because larger diamonds are rare and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight differ in price depending on other three factors of diamonds that is clarity, color and cut. 4 C’s are very important in determining the value of a diamond and not just carat weight. about thumb

Diamond Care

Diamond is the hardest stone on earth, yet it is prone to cracking, chipping or any other physical damage. Proper care must be taken to retain the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds.

 

Caring for Diamonds

  • Remove all diamond Jewelry before doing any heavy-duty work.
  • Apply makeup before putting on Jewelry as hairsprays, perfumes and cosmetics contain chemical that can damage the Jewelry or dull its sparkle.
  • Remove diamond Jewelry before swimming or taking a shower, as chlorine and soap may dull the sparkle of a diamond.



Cleaning Diamonds Jewelry

  • Use a soft brush, lint free cloth or tissue to clean your Jewelry.
  • Mix warm water with a mild detergent or diluted ammonia, place the diamond Jewelry in a bowl filled with a thin mixture. Let it soak for a few minutes.
  • Now clean the Jewelry with a soft brush, clean the edges and sides properly. Do not use a hard brush as that can loosen or damage the prongs.
  • Rinse it with fresh water.
  • Now rub it dry with a soft lint free cloth for the perfect sparkle.



Storing Diamonds & On-going Care

  • Store each piece of Jewelry in a separate Jewelry box or pouch.
  • It is important that each piece of Jewelry should have its own space, to prevent it from being scratched by other pieces.
  • You can even wrap each piece individually in a tissue paper.
  • Regular inspection of Jewelry by a professional at least once a year to ensure that setting is secure.
  • Regular polishing and cleaning by professional will also help in maintaining the diamond and Jewelry’s shine.