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How to choose a diamond
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When choosing a diamond, you need to know about the 4 C's:
Carat
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A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. The larger
a diamond, the more rare it is.
- each carat is equal to 100 points.
- A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-point diamond
or a 3/4 carat stone.
- Diamonds of equal size may vary widely in value
and brilliance, depending on their qualities of clarity,
cut, and colour.
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Clarity
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The purer a diamond, the greater it's clarity and the
more brilliant it is.
Virtually all natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics,
yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny
of a jeweller's 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, natural
phenomena -- called inclusions -- may be seen. These are
nature's birthmarks, and they may look like tiny crystals,
clouds, or feathers. The number, colour, type, size and
position of surface and internal inclusions affect a diamond's
value.
Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no
such inclusions. Flawless stones are treasured for their
rarity and beauty.
Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as
VVS1 or VVS2. The larger the inclusion, the lower the
grade and the less rare the diamond. Inclusions that can
be seen with the naked eye are graded I1, I2 or I3. Major
inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels
through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle
and therefore its value. |
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Colour
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The purer a diamond's colour, the rarer it is. Diamonds
are graded by colour, starting at D and continuing through
the alphabet. While many diamonds appear colourless,
they may actually have subtle yellow or brown tones.
Although still beautiful, they will be less rare and
therefore less valuable.
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To appreciate the simple beauty of each individual
stone, you should compare diamonds side by side with
a jeweller.
"Fancy" diamonds -- in well defined colours that
include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow --
are highly prized and particularly rare.
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Cut
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A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of its shape,
scintillates with fire and light -- offering the greatest
brilliance and value.
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While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat
weight and colour, the hand of a master craftsman is
necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When
a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect
from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through
the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance
and fire. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow
lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As
a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and
beautiful -- and certainly less valuable -- than well
cut diamonds.
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