How Do You Measure Diamond Quality?

What is very crucial to note is the quality of diamonds and the things that are attributed to them. Several factors are used to grade them to give them their market price and these are usually referred to as the four C’s of diamonds.

All these characteristics are useful in the sense that they either independently or interactively determine the quality and the price of the diamond. In this article, we shall take you through the four aspects of how to check diamond quality to enable you to make proper decisions when you are deciding to purchase a diamond. 

Carat 

The first of the four ‘C’s is the carat and this deals with the weight of the diamond and which diamond quality is best.  One carat or CT is equal to 200 milligrams, and the total carat weight of the diamonds in each piece should be regarded as the jewel’s weight. This, therefore, means that when we use carat in the context of jewelry it does not mean size as we have seen it to mean weight. This is why it is shocking that two diamonds of equal carat weight may look different and be of different sizes if these were not cut equally. 

Carat weight is for sure one of the simplest indications that can be followed in a diamond and it significantly determines the cost of the diamond. 

Quick Tip 

But if money, you are tight, it is recommended that you go for slightly below one-carat weight. The difference is often not that big if one goes in terms of physical, but there may be an extremely big gap between the two prices and how to understand diamond quality. 

Cut 

The term the cut of a diamond is used to describe the degree of the sieving of the stone and also the process that was applied to the diamond to make facets. It is rated to be the primary attribute that decides the brilliance and hence, the beauty of a diamond. That is to mean that a diamond may boast of perfect color and clarity but will have poor cutting to make it less shiny. 

Diamonds are available in several configurations depending on their form and these include round form, princess, oval, marquise, and many more. There are many shapes and out of all these, the round brilliant cut is the most popular and highly recommended due to the amount of brilliance it provides. 

Cut quality is marked and categorized according to its quality which ranges from excellent to poor. If the diamond is cut either excellent or very good, then the light will be reflected in an amazing manner resulting in a sparkling effect, and will let you decide how to measure diamond quality. 

Quick Tip

Give preference to the cuts when obtaining a diamond. Whenever there is a comparison between a well-cut diamond and a bigger, low-cut one, then a diamond of less carat weight is brighter. 

 

Color

Diamonds are of varied hues or shades but the most precious kind of diamonds are those that are completely color less. The most commonly used qualification that is related to color is the ‘D to Z color scale’, which signifies that a diamond is ‘completely colorless’ to ‘noticeably yellowish’ in appearance respectively. Clear diamonds also have more light through them hence they are more sparkly as compared to colored ones. 

However, a diamond doesn’t have to be completely colorless to be beautiful. It is just that the color of the diamond reduces its value. Most of the slightly colored diamonds depending on the type of color tints they have and the probable range of near-colorless, may not be easily discernible from colorless diamonds. For instance, a distinction between a D color and a G colour diamond is barely observable even under the lens. 

Quick Tip

If you want to save money then you should go for an option between G and J. They are very affordable and still classy, especially when you set them in yellow or rose gold and also figure out how to evaluate a diamond. 

Clarity

Clarity describes involving internal defects as inclusion and external defects as blemishes. The more that is included in the diamond or the blemishes present, the lower the clarity of the diamond or the lower its value. 

Clarity is further categorized into flawless which means there is no spotting or marking that is observable even using the naked eye. 

Flaw is a term used to refer to several characteristics in almost all diamonds that are invisible and hence do not in any way alter the appearance of the diamond. 

Quick Tip

This means that the clarity grade doesn’t have to be the lowest for you to get a gorgeous diamond. There are many diamonds with lower clarity such as VS1 or VS2 inclusions that cannot be identified using the naked eye making such diamonds affordable and stylish. 

Additional Factors to Consider 

While the 4 Cs are the primary factors in measuring diamond quality, there are other aspects to consider as well:

Certification 

It will be wise to purchase a certified diamond from a recognized gemological laboratory such as GIA or the AGS. A certification agency provides an independent confirmation that refers to the carat, cut, color, and clarity of the diamond. 

Fluorescence 

Sometimes the diamonds will classify this as fluorescence, which is the capacity of the diamond to emit light when subjected to UV light. In most cases, the luminescence quite just does not change its look when it is under normal circumstances. Nonetheless, there are cases in which a diamond crystal exhibits high fluorescence, it is hazy and oily in appearance. 

Shape 

Shapes include princess, oval, emerald, and cushion. Some of the shapes are more popular than others, however, the size of the shape also differs even though their carat weight may be the same. 

Setting 

Appearance is also determined by the place where the diamond is located which is very crucial in anyone who has intentions of investing in this gem. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. What is the most important aspect of a diamond? 

This is also the most significant aspect of the diamond when it concerns cutting the fire also known as brilliance. Thus, even if the colour and the clarity of a diamond evaluation are lower than other diamonds a well-cut diamond will scintillate more than the others. 

Q2. Do diamond prices increase proportionately to carat weight? 

Size is a factor that has a direct relation with price since bigger stones are extremely rare and extremely expensive which should be considered for diamond evaluation tool. 

Conclusion 

As looking into how to shop for a diamond the above article has explained how to judge diamond quality and how it can be evaluated. To feel or to get an idea of how it is to own a diamond ring or a necklace, take a look at what Diamonds of London has in store.