Diamond Fundamentals: Diamonds 101

It's good to be on the receiving side of a diamond.  Having that little sparkling rock on your hand and there's no other care in the world.

We guys on the other are tasked with the complex understanding the different aspects of a diamond.  Because guys pride themselves on being able to take apart the toaster and put it all back together again, we'll help you understand what to look for and how to put it all together to find that specular gem that will "WOW" her and her friends envious.

As with all good things, the basics are important.  There a dozens of ways to characterize a diamond and help you pick the best rock for your money.  We start you off with the "4 C's" and then move on to bigger and better things.

Cut - Precision and Brillance

Cut is pivotal in giving a diamond it's brilliance and sparkle and refers to the overall porportions of a diamond.  A precise and ideal cut diamond will reflect the maximum amount of light that enters it, making it appearly lively and sparkle.

More on Cut
 

Carat - Size Matters

Carat is a measure of weight of the diamond and not actually the obvious "size" of the diamond, as is commonly thought.  Diamonds are measured by weight with 'points' and 'carats' as the unit of meaure (1 carat = 100-points = 0.2 grams  or 0.007 ounce).  The more points or carats, the larger and more rare the diamond.

Why Size Matters
 

Clarity - Flawless Perfection

A diamonds rareness is determined by it's clarity.  Naturally formed diamonds contain 'inclusions' which relate to the existance and visual appearance of internal characteristics.

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Color - A Variety of Choices

From colorless to yellow, a diamonds color refers to the grade assigned to indicate the color spectrum the stone falls within.

 

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Diamond Characteristics - Certification

Diamond Certification exists for the simple reason - piece of mind.  A number of organizations exists who's purpose is to certify and report on the characteristics of loose and set gemstones.

When deciding on whether to have your loose or set gemstone certified, remember that gemstones are analysed and assessed for a multitude of traits, all documented and ready for insurance.
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