For centuries, diamonds have remained one of the most precious gemstones, celebrated for their brilliance and elegance. However, choosing the right diamond is about more than just finding the brightest stone. To make a high-quality and lasting investment, you need to understand certain key criteria. So, what should you look for? Here is our guide to finding the perfect diamond!
The quality and value of a diamond are determined by four globally recognized factors known as the 4Cs:
a) Carat – The Weight of the Diamond Diamonds are measured by weight in carats (ct). 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. While the price increases as the carat weight grows, size alone does not determine quality. Two diamonds of the same carat can have different prices due to variations in cut and clarity.
b) Cut – The Key to Brilliance Cut is arguably the most important factor, as it directly affects how a diamond reflects light. A well-cut diamond reflects more light, appearing more brilliant. Cut quality is usually graded as:
c) Color – The Whiteness of the Diamond The color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown tones). The rarest and highest quality diamonds fall into the D, E, and F categories. However, G-H stones are nearly colorless to the naked eye and offer excellent value for the price.
d) Clarity – The Internal Structure During their natural formation, diamonds can develop microscopic flaws called inclusions. The clarity scale is as follows:
Diamonds come in various shapes, each offering a unique aesthetic. The most common shapes include:
When purchasing a diamond, international certification is vital. It proves the stone's quality has been verified by an independent lab. The most trusted organizations are:
The "mounting" or setting is how the diamond is held on the ring.
The metal used also impacts the look:
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