A diamond doesn’t start out polished and shining in the beginning. It once was nothing special, but with enough pressure and time, it becomes spectacular. – Solange Nicole.
You don’t have to be an expert to ascertain the value of a diamond. While everyone knows that diamonds are precious, they are also unique. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and degrees of reflection.
What attracts a person to diamonds is their “dazzle.” Everyone knows that diamonds do not actually shine; they undergo total internal reflection. Hence, the “shine” of a diamond is just the reflection of the light trapped inside. Still, it is this shining diamond that attracts buyers. Why else would you make a hefty purchase if not for some bling?
A polished, cut diamond is often the centerpiece of most diamond jewelry. But even among diamonds, there is a variation in the value and price. This value usually depends upon a combination of factors. These are examined and determined by gemologists and jewelry professionals.
For accurate grading of diamonds, there is a need for uniformity. One of the earliest systems of determining diamond value was established in India. Here, three factors were kept in mind – clarity, color, and carat weight of the diamond. However, today an extra element has also been added, and most jewelers across the globe adhere to them.
Thus, four factors are now kept in mind while examining a diamond’s value – clarity, color, carat weight, and cut. These 4Cs, as they are known, determine the value of a diamond and ascertain whether a diamond is a finished product or not. So, if you are looking to sell your diamond or buy one for yourself, you should read these factors very carefully.
How does the clarity of a diamond determine its value?
According to GIA (the Gemological Institute of America), Diamond clarity refers to a qualitative metric that grades the visual appearance of a diamond. The clarity of diamonds is crucial while determining the value of a diamond.
Very often, natural diamonds have a host of imperfections and flaws. This often compromises their clarity. But, sometimes, these imperfections are too minimal to be noticed by the untrained eye.
Diamonds that are free from internal blemishes are scarce. Diamond value also varies based on relief and inclusions present in the stone. Thus, the bigger the inclusion, the greater will be its impact on diamond clarity.
Blemishes in a diamond can also take the form of small clusters of pinpoints, internal grains, cracks, or cavities. These result in a whitish, hazy, or dull appearance of the diamond, depending on how closely clustered these imperfections are.
What role does color play in determining diamond value?
The Colour of a diamond plays a significant role when it comes to determining the diamond value. GIA classifies this color factor on a color scale that ranges from “D” to “Z”, where D represents colorless diamonds, and Z signifies diamonds that are yellowish or light brown.
While choosing diamonds to be fitted into rings or other jewelry, you will have the choice to go for either fully colored diamonds or stones that have a slight tint to them. Colored diamonds like blue and pink hold high value. A yellowish tint is not considered to be desirable in the case of white diamonds.
It would be best if you also based your choice of a colored diamond according to the metal you wish to set it in. You will observe that the platinum or gold base may even mask the color of the diamond. It, therefore, becomes essential to consider the base metal while choosing the color/tint of a diamond.
Overall, if a diamond is clear and colorless, it shines brilliantly. Due to this, it has a greater diamond value, and is, therefore, highly sought-after.
To what extent is the Carat weight of a diamond important?
One metric carat is equal to almost 0.2 gram. One metric carat is divided into 100 points. Diamonds are always weighed to a thousandth of a carat and then are rounded up to the nearest hundred (or point).
Due to the extreme precision required in weighing diamonds, the fraction of a carat can make a massive difference in the diamond value. Thus, the accurate weighing of a diamond is of great importance.
A common confusion among people is regarding the size of a diamond. What costs more – a large diamond or many small diamonds? The answer to this is quite simple. The larger the diamond, the rarer it actually is. Due to its rarity, its value is greater. Also, larger diamonds cost more per carat. Thus, size and carat weight play an important role in ascertaining its value.
What do we understand by “Cut of a diamond” and how does it affect a diamond’s value?
The difference between a rough, uncut diamond and a carefully cut and polished diamond is stark. A cut diamond requires expert craftsmanship and expertise. Cutting a diamond is the key to increasing its appeal. The proportions and cutting determine the angle at which light enters the diamond. If the light does not enter at the best angle, the diamond will not reflect light properly. This will result in a dark and dull appearance, which in turn will decrease the diamond value.
A well-cut and polished diamond make optimum use of the light which enters it. The craftsmen take special care to cut and shape the diamond in such a way to enhance the light and dark areas. This contrast enhances the sharpness and clarity of the diamond, giving it a crisp and neat look.
Based on the shape given to a diamond, names have been assigned to them. You may have heard of a princess-cut or emerald-cut diamond. The various shapes that are given to diamonds greatly affect their price based on what look is currently trending.
In conclusion, purchasing a diamond is done best under the guidance of certified professionals and experts. Testing the fluorescence of a diamond along with its clarity and tint is of utmost importance. The slightest change can heavily affect the diamond value. Keep in mind the four factors explained in this article, and you will be set on your quest forwards to finding the perfect diamond!
Handmade Jewelry Award 2019 in Japan