( 
)
This information will provide you with the neccesary basics on diamonds. You will learn that its not just the size of the diamond that determines its value! Make sure you are informed about diamonds before that big purchase!
The Diamond is the birthstone of April and the anniversary gemstone for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamonds were discovered in India in 500 B.C., and the name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas" which means unconquerable - suggesting the eternity of love. Since ancient Greece, diamonds and diamond jewelry have been the traditional symbol of love, and the ancients believed they were hardened dew drops, splinters from the stars or crystallized lightning. A diamond is the hardest substance known to humankind, and is made of a crystallized carbon that has unique powers of light reflection. Since diamonds are composed of a single element, they are the purest of all gemstones.
Proportion refers to the angles and relative measurements of a polished diamond. More than any other feature, proportions determine a diamond's optical properties. Studies have shown that table size, crown angle, and pavilion depth have a dramatic effect on a diamond's appearance.
Symmetry is a grading term for the exactness of shape and placement of facets. Variations in symmetry include off-center culets and tables, poor facet alignment, misshapen facets, out-of-round girdles, and wavy girdles.
Clarity
The Clarity of a diamond is based on the number, location, size, and
type of inclusions found in the stone. An inclusion is an imperfection
or trace mineral in the stone that is visible under the magnification
of a jeweler's loupe. The fewer inclusions the diamond has; the
clearer, more brilliant and more expensive the diamond will be. A
"Flawless" diamond is one that has no inclusions and is extremely rare
and valuable.
Color
Colorless and near-colorless diamonds are the most valuable. Though
most diamonds may appear colorless to the naked eye, the majority of
diamonds contain slight traces of yellow or light brown when viewed
under a jeweler's loupe. Depending on the stone's size, a single
increase in color grade can boost the value of a diamond by thousands
of dollars per carat. A traditional engagement diamond is usually
colorless or near-colorless.
In nature, diamonds can also occur in shades of red, pink, blue, green and deep yellow - These are called "Fancy diamonds". In the United States and around the world colorless diamonds are graded on an alphabetical scale, introduced by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "Colorless" or "rare white" diamonds are of color grades D, E and F. Diamonds of color grade D are very rare, and extremely valuable.
The carat weight alone is almost meaningless unless you also consider the cut, clarity and color of the diamond. A large diamond is not very valuable if it lacks brilliance, purity and high-grade color. However, since larger stones are rarer than smaller ones, diamond value rises exponentially with carat weight. Therefore, a diamond weighing 3.0 carats, will always be worth more than three 1.0 carat stones of the same quality. No two diamonds are exactly alike, and you must weigh all of the factors - color, cut, clarity and carat weight - when making your diamond jewelry buying decision.
If you enjoyed reading this please take a second to let us now below. We'd realy appreciate it!
Thank you!
SumptersJewelry
Find Your Perfect Diamond Jewelry Here
The Diamond is the birthstone of April and the anniversary gemstone for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamonds were discovered in India in 500 B.C., and the name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas" which means unconquerable - suggesting the eternity of love. Since ancient Greece, diamonds and diamond jewelry have been the traditional symbol of love, and the ancients believed they were hardened dew drops, splinters from the stars or crystallized lightning. A diamond is the hardest substance known to humankind, and is made of a crystallized carbon that has unique powers of light reflection. Since diamonds are composed of a single element, they are the purest of all gemstones.
Proportion refers to the angles and relative measurements of a polished diamond. More than any other feature, proportions determine a diamond's optical properties. Studies have shown that table size, crown angle, and pavilion depth have a dramatic effect on a diamond's appearance.
Symmetry is a grading term for the exactness of shape and placement of facets. Variations in symmetry include off-center culets and tables, poor facet alignment, misshapen facets, out-of-round girdles, and wavy girdles.
Shape/Cut
The Cut is the factor that determines the brilliance of a diamond. A classic round brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets : 33 on the top, 24 on the bottom, and the culet (1 point at the bottom). Each of the diamond's facets must be placed in exact geometric relation to one another when the stone is being cut. Quality diamonds must be properly cut and not "spread", which means that the proper proportions are compromised to make the diamond weigh more.
Clarity
The Clarity of a diamond is based on the number, location, size, and
type of inclusions found in the stone. An inclusion is an imperfection
or trace mineral in the stone that is visible under the magnification
of a jeweler's loupe. The fewer inclusions the diamond has; the
clearer, more brilliant and more expensive the diamond will be. A
"Flawless" diamond is one that has no inclusions and is extremely rare
and valuable.Color
Colorless and near-colorless diamonds are the most valuable. Though
most diamonds may appear colorless to the naked eye, the majority of
diamonds contain slight traces of yellow or light brown when viewed
under a jeweler's loupe. Depending on the stone's size, a single
increase in color grade can boost the value of a diamond by thousands
of dollars per carat. A traditional engagement diamond is usually
colorless or near-colorless.In nature, diamonds can also occur in shades of red, pink, blue, green and deep yellow - These are called "Fancy diamonds". In the United States and around the world colorless diamonds are graded on an alphabetical scale, introduced by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "Colorless" or "rare white" diamonds are of color grades D, E and F. Diamonds of color grade D are very rare, and extremely valuable.
Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats (ct.). Each carat is divided into 100 points. For example: 1ct.= 100 points, 1/2 ct. = 50 points. Points in a fraction are measured within acceptable ranges. For example: a 1/2 ct diamond pendant may have a range of + or - .04 points. In other words, the total diamond weight may vary from .46 to .54 points and still be considered a 1/2 caratThe carat weight alone is almost meaningless unless you also consider the cut, clarity and color of the diamond. A large diamond is not very valuable if it lacks brilliance, purity and high-grade color. However, since larger stones are rarer than smaller ones, diamond value rises exponentially with carat weight. Therefore, a diamond weighing 3.0 carats, will always be worth more than three 1.0 carat stones of the same quality. No two diamonds are exactly alike, and you must weigh all of the factors - color, cut, clarity and carat weight - when making your diamond jewelry buying decision.
If you enjoyed reading this please take a second to let us now below. We'd realy appreciate it!
Thank you!
SumptersJewelry
Find Your Perfect Diamond Jewelry Here
Guide created: 03/27/07 (updated 08/12/08)
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
