Finding the perfect diamond requires research. Knowing what to look for and understanding a diamonds main characteristics will provide you with the knowledge & confidence required to make the right decision. At Carat Smart, we aim to be totally transparent, wanting your ultimate selection to be an informed one. Our gemologists have prepared these diamond buying guides to better help you refine your selection criteria and understand the characteristics that will determine the price of your diamond.
THE 5 C’S OF DIAMONDS Understanding of the 5 C’s of diamonds (colour, cut, carat, clarity, confidence) and the factors that impact diamond quality and price.
CUT The diamond’s cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond. The cut of a diamond pertains to the exact proportions, quality of polish and the arrangement of a diamond’s facets. While nature regulates a diamond’s clarity, carat weight and colour, the skills of a master craftsman is essential to bring out the diamonds’ fire and sparkle. It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light: ¹ When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected internally from one facet to another and then reflected through the top of the stone giving it maximum sparkle or brilliance. ² If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the pavilion. ³ If the cut is too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.
Diamond Cut Chart A diamond has facets that let light come in it, become refracted, and go out in a rainbow of colours. As shown below, when a diamond is cut to ideal proportions, is cautiously polished and has exact symmetry, light will then reflect from one facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, leaving a display of brilliance and fire.Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow, reduce or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance, fire, sparkle and value. The cut can impact the value of a diamond by as much as 35%!
CARAT A diamond’s weight is measured in what is known as a “carat”, which is a small unit of measurement equal to 200 mgs. Carat is not a measure of a diamond’s size, but instead is a measure of a diamond’s weight. One carat can also be divided in 100 points. A .50 carat diamond is the equivalent to 50 points or 1/2 carat diamond. Larger diamonds are more valuable because they are less commonly found in nature. Therefore, the value of a 1 carat diamond will be more than twice that of a 1/2 carat diamond, assuming other qualities are similar. The most significant thing to recall when considering a diamond’s carat weight is that it is not the only factor that influences a diamond’s value. The image above shows the size of assorted carat weights of a diamond in relation to each other.
CLARITY A diamond’s clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are natural distinguishing characteristics such as minerals or fractures, that are created when diamonds are being formed. They may appear as tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. Inclusions are commonly viewed at 10x magnification. The position of inclusions can greatly affect the value of a diamond. Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could affect the dispersion of light, causing the diamond to be less brilliant. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection called the clarity scale. The scale ranges from F (Flawless) to I (Imperfect) and is based on the visibility of inclusions at 10X magnification.
Diamond Clarity Chart COLOUR The colour of a diamond refers to the degree to which a diamond is colourless. The farther from colourless that a diamond’s grade is, the more common and therefore less valuable it is. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grade diamonds on a scale they established, which ranges from D (Colourless) to Z.
Diamond Colour Chart
CONFIDENCE Being familiar with jewellery store lingo does not ensure that you will get a quality stone at a reasonable price. When you make such an investment, you should make an informed decision and purchase from a jewellery store you trust. BUYING GUIDE Diamonds are as unique as they are rare, so it should come as no surprise that not all diamonds are created equal. This can make shopping for a diamond, especially for the first time, seem overwhelming. Buying a diamond can be intimidating. Finding a beautiful diamond is easy; finding the right one for your taste and budget is more of a challenge. Luckily, this guide will take you through the many factors involved in finding the right diamond for you. Learning how to buy a diamond has never been so easy.
The Essential Diamond Buying Elements The 5Cs: Carat (weight), Colour, Clarity, Cut and Confidence A diamond’s unique Shape Certification by a trusted Gem Lab Knowing when to ask for help Every polished diamond is valuable. However, a diamond’s characteristics determine how high we value it compared to other diamonds. Some qualities are more rare than others, and jewellery professionals use sample grading scales to evaluate each stone. Grading systems developed by gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), HRD, IGI, EGL and AGS set the standard. These and a few other laboratories represent the most trusted certifying bodies in the diamond industry. The 5Cs are a big factor when it comes to evaluating a diamond. And having a good understanding of the 5Cs makes knowing how to buy a diamond an exciting and enjoyable experience. The individual characteristics of the diamond can play more or less of a role depending on the diamond’s specific shape, so knowing what shape you are shopping for will also play a big role in terms of knowing how to buy a diamond. Possessing key knowledge on how to buy a diamond, and having the certification to support a diamond’s grade, certainly, ensures the best purchasing experience. However, it is still important to know when to ask a professional for help. As much as you might read on the internet, you’ll never be able to acquire the knowledge that someone who has worked in the industry for years has accumulated, and you shouldn’t feel like you have to, either. So when you’re not sure what to think, know who to ask for help. The following key aspects serve as your detailed guide, allowing you to search, identify, and buy the perfect diamond with confidence.