7 Characteristics to Keep in Mind When Buying a Diamond
Before starting with characteristics, let’s keep in mind the 4 C’s, which are Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut.
1.Carats
Gemologists measure diamonds weight in metric carats. Saying this, each carat equals 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. Most of the diamonds have their weight listed in carats or a fraction of a carat, but you might find an extra-small diamond that has its weight listed in points.
2.Color
Only some diamonds are truly colorless. The others come in varying shades of yellow and brown. After a diamond is mined, they send it to a gem lab, where gemologists grade its color on a scale that starts with D (colorless) and ends with Z (light yellow). Diamonds that are colorless are the most valuable and, therefore, the priciest ones.
3.Clarity
Since diamonds are formed far below the earth’s surface, they acquire internal inclusions and external blemishes. Clarity refers to the number, type, and where these imperfections are positioned. Diamond clarity is graded on a scale that begins with Loupe Clean (LC, meaning as much as flawless) and continues to Pique 3 (PK3, described as cloudy Diamonds).
4.Cut
A diamond’s perfect cut refers to all the tiny facets and angles that are cut into the gem to enhance its reflection of light. A poorly cut diamond is dull and lifeless. On the other hand, a perfectly cut diamond with high-quality facets and angels interacts efficiently with light to create: Brightness – which is the reflection of white light, Fire – which is the scattering of light in all the colors of the rainbow, Sparkles – are caused by light and dark patterns within gems. The cut is divided into three parameters: Proportions, Symmetry and Polish. Every parameter is classified separately according to different quality grades: Excellent (EX), Very Good (VG), Good (G), or Fair (F).
5.Shapes
Diamonds come in different shapes. The round brilliant is the most common and most valuable diamond shape. Round diamonds are highly prized since they have the most brilliance. The other diamond shapes are called fancy shapes. Some of them, like the pear, heart, and marquise, are different shapes of round brilliant cuts, while the square or rectangular shapes and the asscher one are step cuts.
6.Fluorescence
A small fraction, almost 25-30%, of diamonds give off a faint blue glow when they are exposed to UV rays in sunlight. Even though a diamond’s fluorescence is difficult to see with the naked eye, too much fluorescence makes the diamond look hazy. To know more about the fluorescence of a diamond, look at its lab reports. Gem labs rate their fluorescence as nil, slight, medium, or strong.
7.Certificates
The safest way to buy a diamond is to purchase one with a certificate released by a reputable gem laboratory. Certificates guarantee a diamond's quality by specifically listing its cut, color, clarity, and weight. They also protect the investment of the buyer by helping the gem hold its value better over time.