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| The Diamond Clarity, Cut, Color and Carat |
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| The diamonds cut is most important. The cut is where the diamonds brilliance and fire come from. Unfortunately, many cutters tend to cut the largest diamond possible from the rough gem. In doing so they sacrifice brilliance. We try to maintain the finest cut diamonds. Choosing only those that meet our exacting standards. Why would you want to give anything less than the most brilliant diamond possible. After all isn't that what diamonds are all about. There brilliance and sparkle. |
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| Diamond Clarity |
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As with cut and color, the clarity of the diamond likewise determines its value. by clarity, we mean the presence or absence of inclusions within the diamond and blemishes on its surface. These slight "birthmarks of nature" generally do not affect the beauty of a diamond unless they are visible to the eye. But they always affect its price.
Diamonds that are deemed Flawless or internally Flawless have no inclusions visible (by an expert) under 10X magnification. These diamonds are very rare. A diamond that is graded "VVS1 or VVS2" may have very minute- extremely difficult to see inclusions under 10X magnification ( VVS = Very very slight inclusions ). A diamond that is graded "VS1 or VS2"may contain very minor and difficult to see inclusions with 10X magnification.
In fact most people normally need to have the inclusion pointed out to them in order for them to see it. (VS = very slight inclusion). A diamond that is graded "SI1 or SI2" will contain noticeable relatively easy to see inclusions under 10X magnification. (SI = slight inclusions). A diamond that is in the I1, I2 or I3 clarity range well have noticeable inclusions to the unaided eye. However sometimes it is possible to hide the inclusion under a prong. ( I = imperfect). |
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| Diamond Cut |
| The Gemological Institute of America developed a systematic approach to analyzing the cut of round diamonds using classifications. They are Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4. All things being equal except cut a class 4 diamond can be as much as 60% less than a Class 1 diamond. |
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| Diamond Color |
| Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more apparent, the rarity and cost decrease. Although the increasing shades of color may reduce the cost of a diamond, they do not necessarily reduce it's beauty. If a diamond is well cut, refraction and dispersion well often disguise certain degrees of coloration. Diamonds are graded on a letter scale starting with the letter "D" and ending with the letter "Z". Below is a representation of diamonds colors when viewed through the pavilion. |
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| Diamond Carat (Weight) |
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The fourth of the Four C's is carat weight. it may be the easiest of the four C"s to gauge accurately. All that is required is a delicately balanced scale capable of weighing extremely small weights.
Yet despite the ease of measurement and relative unimportance of a diamonds weight, there are some facts you should understand about the relationship between weight and price. |
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| For one, as diamonds increase in size, their cost tends to increase geometrically rather than arithmetically. Thus, a one carat diamond can cost four or five times as much as a one-half carat diamond of equal quality. For another, as mentioned previously, weight alone does not always enhance the value of a diamond. In fact, when a diamond is improperly cut, added weight may only serve to reduce its brilliance. |
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