No two diamonds are alike and in the same respect, the quality of these immortal stones will likewise vary. This is why reputable organizations such as the American Gem Society rate all diamonds in terms of the “four C’s” (color, cut, carat weight, and clarity). These will be highlighted in the below sections.
Still, most of us are not expert gemologists and may not be able to select the best jewelry brands. We simply wish to purchase a high-quality stone so that the correct buying decision can be made without breaking the bank.
Five Signals of a Top High Quality Diamond
Choosing a good quality diamond is very important and there are factors that you need to keep in mind for the same. Now, let’s take a brief look at five metrics that should be examined in order to guarantee that you are obtaining a top-grade diamond.
1. Color
Diamonds come in a wide array of colors. Experts agree that the highest quality diamonds are colorless. Any visible tint will impact the value of the stone in question. However, there can still be times when a so-called “fancy color” could actually cause the price to increase.
Tones such as canary yellow or even red are considered to represent some of the highest quality (and rarest) diamonds.
2. Cut
The cut (shape) of the diamond is more involved with aesthetics. This is often determined by the shape of the original stone and any existing flaws that may be present. Jewelers will always cut diamonds in such a way as to maximize the overall size and to remove any inclusions. High-quality cuts accentuate three attributes:
- Brightness (how much light the diamond reflects).
- Fire (the types of colors which are refracted through the facets).
- Scintillation (the contrast between light and dark areas within the stone).
This is why choosing the cut is very important.
3. Carat Weight
All things being equal, higher carat weights are always associated with higher prices. This is obviously why a 3 carat diamond ring will cost much more than a one-carat ring which boasts a diamond of the same quality.
One way to increase the apparent size of the stone is to choose specific cuts (round brilliant, oval, and pear can be useful options to consider).
4. Clarity
Clarity refers to the number, presence, and density of any flaws that exist within a diamond. Flawless and nearly flawless stones are quite rare in nature, so they will cost more.
Diamonds with many inclusions can even begin to appear muddled or cloudy; detracting from their overall appearance. So, clarity is very important when selecting a quality stone.
5. Certification
Finally, it is crucial that the diamond in question has been certified by either the American Gem Society (AGS) or the Gemological Institute of America (AGS).
These transparent grading reports will list all of the characteristics (the four C’s) of the stone. Such reports are also crucial in separating high-quality gems from those which tend to fetch questionable values.
Conclusion
Please do not hesitate to bookmark this article and to use it as a checklist in the future. Choosing a high-quality diamond is actually much easier than you may have thought possible. Besides, if you come across any doubts, mention them in the comment section below!
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