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Diamond
is one of the two best known forms
of carbon, whose hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and
fabulous jewelry. Diamonds are specifically renowned as a
mineral with superlative physical qualities — they make excellent
abrasives
because they can be scratched only by other diamonds and some
other extremely hard items. As a result of this hardness and
durability, they polish very well and can retain their luster
extremely well...making them a prized gemstone and one of the most
popular for jewelry. It is estimated that there are 130 million
diamond carats
(26,000 kg) mined annually. As for the fake or synthesized carats,
that amount almost quadruples to approximately 100,000 kg per
year. Diamonds are rated based on clarity, colour, cut and carat
size.
The 4 C's of
diamonds: The 4 C's for diamond rating are:
Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat Weight.
 
Clarity is a measure of
how clear or pure a diamond is. The number, size, nature and location of both
the internal and external imperfections is used to determine clarity. The GIA -
Gemological Institute of America has established a scale for rating clarity.
| Symbol |
Meaning |
Definition |
| F |
Flawless |
Free
from all inclusions or blemishes. |
| IF |
Internally
Flawless |
No
inclusions visible at 10x magnification. |
| VVS1 |
Very
Very Slightly Included #1 |
Inclusions
that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x. |
| VVS2 |
Very
Very Slightly Included #2 |
Inclusions
that are very difficult to locate at 10x. |
| VS1 |
Very
Slightly Included #1 |
Minor
inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x. |
| VS2 |
Very
Slightly Included #2 |
Minor
inclusions that are somewhat difficult to locate at 10x. |
| SI1 |
Slightly
Included #1 |
Noticeable
inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x. |
| Sl2 |
Slightly
Included #2 |
Noticeable
inclusion that are very easy to locate at 10x. |
| I1 |
Included
#1 |
Obvious
inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
| I2 |
Included
#2 |
Obvious
inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
| I3 |
Included
#3 |
Obvious
inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
Please note that this scale has
evolved over time and will continue to do so as improvements in verification of
diamond clarity are made.
Also of note: Be vigilant in
purchasing clarity corrected diamonds as the methods used are not necessarily
permanent.
  
Color is a measure of the
amount of colour in the diamond. Various colours can be found - from grey brown
yellowish to fully colourless. If unique colours such as blue, green, red and
pink are evident, the diamond is most likely more valuable due to its rarity.
The GIA has a rating system for diamond color as described in the following
table:
| GIA |
COLOR
- COMMERCIAL GRADING |
| D,
E, F, G, H, I |
Colorless
(White) |
| J,
K, L |
Near
Colorless
(White) |
| M |
Faint
Yellow |
| N,
O, P, Q, R |
Very
Light Yellow |
| S,
T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z |
Light
Yellow |
Cut refers to the
proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors
determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. The more accurate the cut, the
better quality the diamond will have and hence, it will sell for a premium price
as compared to poorly cut diamonds which should sell for a discounted rate.
There is now a computerized system, the Dia-Mension system, which can easily
measure the exact proportions of any diamond. This allows for a quick
determination of the cut quality of the diamond. This is the only measure of
diamonds which is in the hands of the cutter craftsperson or artist. He or she
will be responsible for the cut quality whereas all of the other measures are
purely natural.
Carat measures the weight
of a diamond. Carats are subdivided into a 100 points system ( 0.01 carat = l
point ). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. The larger the carat weight of a
diamond, the greater its value/carat. For example, a 3-carat diamond is worth
more than 3 1-carat diamonds.
Now that you know all about
diamonds, Find your perfect Diamond
Artificial or synthetic
materials used as gems include:
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