When you think of making a diamond purchase, the first thing that should come to mind is the "4 Cs." Cut, clarity, color, and carat weight are the defining characteristics of any quality diamond, and will also affect its price. However, there are several other factors you should keep in mind when making a diamond purchase, especially if you're buying diamond jewelry. Here are few things to keep in mind:
4 Cs to know:
· The first C is for Cut, and it is by far the most important of the Four Cs. It is also the most difficult to assess without the help of a professional. The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond will have excellent symmetry and be well-proportioned, with each facet meeting at precise angles. The diamond's polish should be flawless, and all of the facets should be of uniform size. A diamond that is cut poorly will not have the same fire and brilliance as a well-cut diamond, and the diamond may also appear small.
· The second C is Clarity. A diamond's clarity is a measure of how many blemishes or inclusions it has. The fewer blemishes or inclusions, the higher the clarity grade. Diamonds with no blemishes or inclusions are considered flawless, and are very rare (and very expensive). Most diamonds have some type of blemish or inclusion, but they should be very small and not visible to the naked eye. The clarity of a diamond is how many blemishes or inclusions and is judged on a 6-point scale from included to flawless. The fewer blemishes or inclusions, the more valuable the diamond.
· The third C is Color. A diamond's color is judged on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow hued diamond). The vast majority of diamonds are in the D-J range, with very few diamonds being truly colorless. Diamonds in the D-J range will have a very slight yellow hue that is not visible to the naked eye.
· The fourth and final C is Carat Weight. A diamond's carat weight is how a diamond is measured and is the size of the diamond. The larger the carat weight, the more expensive the diamond.
3S to keep in mind:
In addition to the Four Cs, there are also the Three Ss: setting, shape, and size.
· The Setting is the metal mount that holds the diamond in place. The most popular setting materials are yellow gold, white gold, and platinum.
· The Shape of the diamond is the actual shape of the diamond, such as round, princess, pear, etc. The most popular diamond shape is round, followed by princess.
· The Size of the diamond is the diameter of the diamond. The size is measured in millimeters (mm). The most popular diamond size is 1 carat, followed by 0.50 carats.
Note: Fluorescence is the glowing effect that some diamonds have when exposed to ultraviolet light. It's judged on a scale from none to very strong. While some people prefer the look of a diamond with fluorescence, others find it to be a deterrent while choosing sell my diamond.
When you are ready to purchase diamond jewelry, it is important to keep all of these factors in mind. The better informed you are, the better able you will be to find the perfect piece of diamond jewelry for you or your loved one. Also, when you think of diamond jewelry, images of luxury and wealth probably come to mind. And while it's true that diamond jewelry can be quite expensive, it's also possible to find affordable pieces that are just as beautiful. Whether you're looking to sell diamond jewelry that you already own or you're considering purchasing some, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
