The 4 C’s to look out for when choosing a diamond
Colour
The first of these are Colour , this is graded by eye and is probably the most difficult to determine in isolation. Colour runs from D through to Z with the most sought after stones falling into the F/G range as these are in the rare white range without the additional cost of higher collection colours in the D/E range.
Clarity
Next is Clarity this is based on the number and size of Inclusions in your diamond. Range is from Flawless to I3. Most sought after would be in the VS2/SI1 range.
Cut
Cut is based on how well your diamond is cut and not on the shape of your diamond.
Each shape has its own set of parameters that are best for that shape. Cut grades for round stones are based on Cut quality, Symmetry and Polish. You should look for Excellent or Very good across all three.
Carat
The fourth C is Carat weight, this is based on the overall weight of the stone ( it is not the diameter size of the stone).
100 points (or Cents) equal 1 carat.
A .60ct diamond = 60 points weight.
The point price of the diamond increases as the diamond weight increases.
A .20ct diamond might costs €400 euro ( €20 euro per point or €2000 euro per Carat)
A .50ct diamond might cost €2500 euro ( €50 euro per point or €5000 euro per Carat)
How to Buy a Diamond?
When you are ready to buy a diamond you should approach a jeweller you know or have been referred to so you can get impartial, clear honest advice.
Diamonds are beautiful bright objects that are very emotive and extremely expensive.
Pricing of a diamond is very complex with many minuscule differences between each one, and each minuscule difference has the potential of having a major impact on price.
If you are not aware of what impact each parameter has on price you can end up spending a lot of money on an inferior stone without knowing it.
A Certificate will give you a clinical listing of all the detail of your diamond but does not cover everything.
All Certs are different in presentation and wording and should only be used as a guideline.
Stones have ideal cuts and grades depending on the shape of the stone, but some irregular shapes can be more beautiful with some extra or less facets as the case may be.
The vast majority of diamonds have inclusions in them, its the amount, size and placement of these that have an impact on price.
Your local jeweller should be able to select a stone for you within your price point that have minimal inclusions or ones that are placed in the stone where they are harder to see.
An SI1 stone with an inclusion under the table should be cheaper than the same grade stone where the inclusion is hidden under the kite facets or near the girdle.
Girdle thickness can have a major impact on diameter size and the weight of your diamond. A heavy girdle eats up the weight leaving you with a 1ct diamond that faces up the same size as a .90ct, likewise a very thin girdle can work in reverse. Too thin a girdle and you risk the stone chipping.
Shallow cut and deep cut stones can make a stone look larger or smaller respectively. However too deep or too shallow allows for light seepage and your stone to appear dull or lifeless when put against an ideal cut stone.
You must see the diamond for yourself and check how it reacts to your eye. We all see things slightly differently.
As they say “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”
Metals.
Yellow Gold
White Gold
Rose Gold
Palladium 500
Palladium 950
Platinum
Birthstones
