TIPsy Tuesday: Knowing your Diamonds

Since Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days for proposals, I thought I would write a blog for the proposer, so they understand what to look for in a diamond. Sure the proposal is more than just the diamond, but we all know that once the question is asked and the answer is given, the first thing the proposed one does is show off the bling.

So here's your tip in understanding what to look for when buying a diamond.

Diamond 101: The Four C's from Buying Diamonds

The 4Cs about buying diamonds are used throughout the world to classify the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive. The four c's of diamond covers numerous aspects of each individual diamond's qualities, but there are four grades which are critical to understand i.e cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

The four c's about buying diamonds are:

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond has a tremendous affect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull. Cut is probably the most important quality factor, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut. More info on diamond cut.

Diamond Clarity

Most diamonds have inclusions (minute traces of non-crystallized carbon). Usually, the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye (excluding Imperfects). I think that the minute inclusions that there may be, make every diamond unique like a finger print.

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. More info on diamond clarity.

Diamond Color

Most diamonds have a slightly yellow or brown color. With the exception of some natural fancy colors (blue, pink, violet, green, or red (expensive one), the colorless grade is the most valuable.

GIA developed color scale for colorless diamond. Diamond color is graded on the scale from D (colorless) to Z+ (fancy yellow). Your price range will determine what color, cut and shape that your diamond will have which color range.

Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. More info on diamond color.

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the obvious factor in determining the price of a diamond. However, bigger is not always better in the diamond business. If there are two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity.

The weight of the diamond is measured in carats. The metric carat equals 0.200 gram. A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding of what a carat is and how it affects the appearance of a diamond. More info on diamond carat weight.

Hope this helps is picking the right ring for your loved one. Good Luck and Congratulations!

-Percy

Photo from Buying Diamonds