Clarity
Clarity The number, size, colour and location of any internal inclusions or external
blemishes within or on a diamond determines clarity. The stone must be graded under
ten times magnification by several qualified graders who will note all the individual
characteristics of the diamond and a clarity grade is then awarded.
Colour
The colour of a diamond is determined by comparing it with an internationally approved
set of master stones. Slight differences in colour can be very subtle but reflect
greatly in dollar value. The top three grades (D - E - F) are sometimes known as
"Collection" and are the whitest and command higher prices. Once a diamond reaches
J/K colour, a slight yellowish tint should be noticeable.
Carat Weight
Diamond weight is measured in a unit known as a Carat with each carat
being further split into 100 points. A quarter carat may be called a 25 pointer
alternatively, a 75 pointer, a three quarter carat. Generally a diamond's weight
is written to two decimal places.
Size Indication Scale
Cut
-
The Cut or "Make" of
the diamond is possibly the most important of the 4 C's as it can command up to
50% of the diamond's value
- When grading "make", critical areas of the diamond are
measured using the very latest computer-aided technology. If any one of the areas
falls out of a certain set of proportions or tolerances the stone is automatically
dropped into a lower category.
-
The relationship between various parts of a diamond
determines the stone's ability to return any light that has entered it.
-
When cut
to Ideal proportions the stone achieves 100% light return or "total internal reflection",
thus the stone will have the maximum brightness and fire, or "life" possible.
As
the diamond proportions move away from the Ideal standard the stone can suffer light
"leakage" possibly dulling the stone's appearance.
-
This should be reflected in the
dollar value. Simply, an ideally cut diamond will command a higher price than an
interior diamond of the same size, colour and clarity because it has better "life".
Reference: Auscert - The Auscert Certificate is Your Guarantee: For Diamonds of
Distinction.
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