Diamonds : The beginner's guide
What Is A Diamond?
The word Diamond comes from the Greek word Adamas, which means indestructible. It is the only gem known to man that is made of a single element, Carbon, besides graphite. Diamond is completely made of Carbon atoms crystallized in a cubic arrangement.
What to look for when buying Diamonds
First get to know your four Cs
Diamonds are categorised by the 4 Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat.
All four C’s impact the look of a diamond as well as its value. Every diamond is unique – no two look the same.
Cut
Cut refers to the geometric proportions of the gem. A diamond’s cut affects its sparkle and brilliance. Precise workmanship is required to cut a diamond so its proportions, symmetry and polish maximise its magnificence. While high grades of colour and clarity contribute to a diamond’s appeal, it’s the cut that determines the symmetry of the stone’s facets, its overall proportions, and its ability to reflect light. Of the 4 Cs, cut is the most difficult to determine; it’s an incredibly technical and scientific process.
Colour
The appearance of a diamond is significantly influenced by its colour, which ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). A diamond’s value is scored by how closely it approaches ‘colourless’ – the less colour, the higher the value. A colourless diamond will exude flashes of light in a spectrum of hues. Colour in a diamond inhibits its ability to reflect light. We don’t recommend people to go lower than an I in colour.
Clarity
The clarity scale contains 11 grades, ranging from IF (internally flawless) to I3 (included grade 3). Inclusions are nature’s birthmarks, the characteristics that make each and every diamond unique. The fewer visible inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the better the clarity and the more rare and valuable it is. Clarity grades are based on the number, size, relief and positions on the inclusions under x10 magnification. We don’t recommend people go lower than SI in clarity.
Carat
Carat weight is the measurement of what a diamond physically weighs. Since 1913, the weight of diamonds and gemstones has been measured in carats. 1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams. All else being equal, diamonds of a greater carat weight are exponentially more valuable than diamonds of a lower carat weight.
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Pledge Jewellers
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