Diamonds
Before you start diamond shopping, you want to have an understanding of what you're buying. This guide simplifies the four C's of diamonds - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, so you can select your diamond based on the same criteria jewelers use to grade them. After reading through this education guide, you'll be ready to choose the diamond that's right for you.
Shape
Diamonds are cut in many different and exciting shapes. The shape of
a diamond is often confused with its cut. Shape refers to the basic
form of the diamond: oval or pear shaped, for instance. Cut or proportions,
on the other hand, refer to the ability of each of these shapes to reflect
light...
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Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions. Of the 4C's, the cut is
the aspect most directly influenced by man. The other three are dictated
by nature. Quite often the cut of a diamond is confused with its shape.
Diamonds are cut into various shapes depending upon the original form
of the uncut diamond...
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Color
Diamonds allow light to be reflected and dispersed
as a rainbow of color. This light dispersion, or color flash, has no effect
on the technical grading of color. The absolute finest colorless stone
carries a D rating, descending through each letter of the alphabet to
Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray...
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Clarity
Almost all diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions.
To determine a diamond's clarity, an expert views it under 10 power magnification.
In addition to internal inclusions, surface irregularities are referred
to as blemishes. These two categories of imperfections-inclusions (internal)
and blemishes (external)-make up clarity..
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Carat Weight
Most people compare carat weight to size. The larger the diamond the more
it weighs. The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat
originated from the carob tree or Ceratonia siliqua. The tiny seeds of
this tree are well known for their uniformity and consistent weight...
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