Choosing the Carat
June 17, 2009 by Diamond Girl
Filed under Buying Advice
A diamond’s weight is represented in carats. Carat is a measurement of weight, NOT size. Weight impacts the price most dramatically out of the various diamond characteristics. When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered much less frequently than small ones, which makes large diamonds much more valuable. In fact, diamond prices rise exponentially with carat weight. So, a 2-carat diamond of a given quality is always worth more than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality.
Most people think that the bigger the carat the bigger the diamond, the happier the lady will be but there is more to consider than just that. You’ll have to consider her style, the size of her finger, the size of your setting, and your budget.
The popular carat sizes are 0.50ct, 0.75ct, 1.00ct, 1.50ct and 2.00ct. There are often bargains to be found at just under these most popular sizes and many of these bargains can have superior cuts which equate to more diamond sparkle and life.
Choosing the Clarity
June 16, 2009 by Diamond Girl
Filed under Buying Advice
Clarity indicates how “clean” the diamond is, or how many inclusions such as scratches, trace minerals or other tiny characteristics, that the diamond has. Inclusions are important to consider because they can detract from the pure beauty of a diamond. Rule of thumb is that the better the clarity, the more expensive the diamond. There is also a handy guide that you can use to determine the level of clarity in the diamond that you are choosing.
FL, IF Flawless, Internally Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.
VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2 Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. A good diamond value.
I1, I2, I3 Included: I1 diamonds often are seen to the unaided eye, I2 inclusions are easily seen, while I3 diamonds have large and extremely easy to see inclusions.
Choosing the Cut
June 16, 2009 by Diamond Girl
Filed under Buying Advice
The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance. There is no single measurement of a diamond that defines its cut, but rather a collection of measurements and observations that determine the relationship between a diamond’s light performance, dimensions and finish. While there are many factors to bear in mind when choosing a diamond, diamond cut is probably the most important to consider, as it has a direct correlation to a diamond’s appearance. A diamond with Ideal/Excellent cut grade proportions will return the maximum amount of light to the viewer’s eye, the diamond will appear more brilliant and beautiful as a result.
People often mix up the difference between the ‘Cut’ of a diamond and the ‘Shape’ of a diamond. Diamond shape, by contrast, refers to the shape into which the diamond is cut. When diamond cutters receive rough, uncut diamonds, they typically assess the natural shape of the diamond and determine which shape to cut the diamond into. The most common diamond shape is a round brilliant diamond. Princess, Emerald, and Asscher cut diamonds are other popular shapes.
