| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
Diamonds 101
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
 |
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. Most gemologists consider cut the most important diamond characteristic because even if a diamond has perfect color and clarity, a diamond with a poor cut will have dulled brilliance. |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Acting as a prism, a diamond can divide light into a spectrum of colors and reflect this light as colourful flashes called fire. Just as when looking through colored class, colour in a diamond will act as a filter, and will diminish the spectrum of colour emitted. The less colour in a diamond, the more colourful the fire, and the better the colour grade. |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Diamonds that are absolutely clear are the most sought-after and therefore the most expensive. But many diamonds have inclusions - scratches, trace minerals or other tiny characteristics that can detract from the pure beauty of the diamond. The GIA and AGSL use a detailed system of rules and standards to summarize the number, location, size and type of inclusions present in a diamond.
(GIA Diamond Grading Report)
The GIA set the standard for diamond grading and gemological identification, and their grading system serves as the international gem and jewellery industry's benchmark credentials. |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Once you've determined what cut, colour and clarity grade you're looking for in a diamond, it's easy to determine the carat weight of diamond that will fit within your budget. When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered 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 given quality is always worth more than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
