Investing in Love
Diamonds 101
Investing in love
Buying a diamond is a significant investment. Feel confident in your selection by familiarizing yourself with the four main elements that determine a diamond’s quality and value— color, clarity, cut, and carat. Here is a primer for selecting “the one.”
Color
Diamonds are found in almost every color of the rainbow. However, white diamonds are still the most sought after color on the market. Diamonds are graded on a color scale that ranges from D through Z, based on their degree of colorlessness. The less color in the diamond, the whiter and brighter it will appear.
Clarity
All diamonds except for the rare “flawless”
stones contain identifying marks that are called “inclusions,” or “nature’s birthmarks.” Most inclusions are too small to be seen with the naked eye and some are even difficult to see with a microscope or jewelers loupe. Visible inclusions will look like tiny clouds, crystals or feathers. To determine a diamond’s clarity grade, a gemologist will consider the size, location, amount, color and general nature of all inclusions. Some diamonds will receive the distinctive honor of being labeled as flawless (FL) stones that are clear of all identifying marks.
Cut
The true beauty of a diamond is ultimately revealed by its cut. A stone’s final proportion, symmetry, and polish all factor into determining its brilliance. While nature decides the diamond’s color, clarity, and carat weight, the cut is in the hands of the master diamond cutter. When a diamond is cut to its optimal proportions, light reflects from facet to facet and its natural radiance shines.
Carat
A diamond’s size is measured in carat weight. 100 points make up 1 carat. When diamonds are mined, it is rare to come across large diamonds. This is the reason why larger stones are considered more valuable. All diamonds are priced per carat. This means that two 1-carat diamonds of the same cut, color and clarity won’t equal the same cost as a 2-carat diamond. The 2-carat will always be more rare, making that stone more valuable.
