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How
are diamonds Graded & Valued?
Because no two gemstones
are alike, sophisticated grading systems have been developed to
measure a diamond's variable qualities. It is possible for a diamond
expert to classify a single stone into one of 2,000 separate categories.
The variable qualities of diamonds are grouped into four major categories,
commonly referred to as:
While minor variations
in any of the following categories may affect the value of your
diamond tremendously, all diamonds are subject to classification
according to these four terms.
As a potential diamond
owner, it is advisable to know what gives your diamond its unique
value.
CUT
Cut refers to two things:
the shape of the diamond and the proportions of the faceted stone.
Diamonds may be cut in round, oval, marquise, pear shape, emerald
or other exotic shapes. Historically, the round brilliant cut has
been most in demand and has shown the greatest appreciation. The
quality diamond is proportioned with mathematical precision. Any
noticeable deviation from proper proportions will affect the diamond's
brilliance, and hence its price.
The cut of a diamond
will determine how light is refracted back out and this will determine
the fire and brilliance of the stone. A well cut diamond refracts
nearly all the light entering it out of the top (crown) and sides.
This results in the form of greater fire and more brilliance.
CARAT
WEIGHT
This adopted measure
of weight calls for each carat to be subdivided into 100 "points"
(By comparison, one carat equals l/5th of one gram, or 1/142 of
one ounce.) All other characteristics being equal, the larger diamond
will command the greater price. Diamonds are weighed with exact
precision, using the metric carat system. While there is no guarantee
that current trends will remain consistent, history dictates a faster
appreciation for larger stones, and the greatest appreciation for
those of the finest quality.
COLOR
Diamonds are graded for
color on a scale of "D" or colorless, to "Z"
(Dark Yellow). While diamonds may be virtually any color, those
with "white" or colorless features are most in demand
and greater in value. The significance of a diamond's color on the
stone's price is an important factor to consider. Just as history
shows a higher appreciation for larger stones, it also shows the
greatest appreciation for those in the higher color categories.
Several grading systems exist, but the most accurate involves use
of a reflectance spectrophotometer. This instrument eliminates opinion
and is able to measure color with plus-or-minus 3 accuracy on a
scale of 10.000 units.
CLARITY
Diamonds are graded according
to their degree of clarity, with the finest referred to as "flawless":
free of inclusions and imperfections when viewed through 10 x magnification.
Diamonds which show very, very slight imperfections, detected through
10 x magnification, are designated as "VVS." Diamonds
with minor inclusions are assigned "VS" or "SI"
ratings. Finally, those diamonds with visible inclusions are assigned
"Imperfect" ratings.
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