 |
|
||||
|
|||||
|
|
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE 4C'S Before you begin to look for a diamond, you need to have all of the necessary information that is available to you. With this guide you, will understand the four C's of a diamond: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These guidelines will allow you to select your diamond based on the same criteria jewelers and diamond dealers use to grade and evaluate them. After reading through this guide, you will be ready to confidently choose the diamond that is right for you. Before explaining the four C's, we will introduce you to the grading report, which is more commonly known as the Diamond Certificate. This certificate documents the attributes of a diamond, including the four Cs, as noted by a gemologist. The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. The value tends to rise exponentially with carat weight, since larger diamonds are more rare. The cut of a diamond has the most effect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull and muddy. There are 5 internationally recognized gem laboratories in the world that are qualified to produce these certificates. They are the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS (American Gem Society), HRD (High Diamond Council), EGL (European Gemological Laboratory), and IGI (International Gemological Institute). Probably the most highly regarded in the world are the AGS and GIA gem labs. Diamonds that are totally free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are extremely rare and very highly valued. This information is discussed in the clarity section of the tutorials. As for color, this is also something worth closely considering, as the whiter the diamond, the more rarer, therefore the more valuable. Clarity is graded based on the number of inclusions found in a diamond. Therefore, in making a diamond purchase it is essential that you read and review a copy of its certificate, as this is your indication of the quality and value of that diamond. Are you ready to learn more? Learn more about each of the 4C's:
|
|
|
