How to buy Diamonds

It is important to do your homework before purchasing a diamond. Knowing the four C's of Diamond is a good start.

What are the 4 C's?
Diamonds are graded in four properties which will determine its cost and value. And these four C's are: Cut, clarity, color and last but not least carat (which is the weight).

1) Cut: Cut is referred to two aspects of the diamond, its shape ( round, oval, square, pear etc ) and also its facets ( round diamonds, for example, are usually cut with 58 facets.) The number of facets and quality of the cut is what makes light reflect back to the eye of the viewer. The more facets on a diamond, the more light is reflected. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Also you should know that diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage. A good table percentage is between 55-60%. Studies have shown that table size, crown angle, and pavilion depth have a dramatic effect on a diamond’s appearance.

2) Clarity: Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). The clarity will play a big part in the cost of your stone.

Flawless: perfect inside and out
Internally Flawless: may have minor blemishes on the outside
V VS1, V VS2: have very very small inclusions. V VS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion. V VS2 inclusions are more visible.
VS1, VS2: have very small inclusions. VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2. (most commonly purchased)
SI1, SI2, SI3: have small inclusions (most commonly purchased)
I1, I2, I3: have inclusions visible to the naked eye

3) Color: Colorless or near-colorless diamonds are the most precious. The majority of diamonds contain slight traces of yellow or light brown when viewed under a jeweler’s loupe, but to the naked eye may appear colorless. The value of a diamond can boost by a single increase in color grade. "Colorless" or "rare white" diamonds are of color grades D, E and F. Diamonds of color grade D are very rare, and extremely valuable. In nature, diamonds can also occur in shades of red, pink, blue, green and deep yellow - These are called "Fancy diamonds".

4) Carat: Here you will learn the size and weight of your stone. Let's go over the point to carat. 100 points = 1 carat (1ct). 50 points is therefore = 1/2 a carat (1.5ct). The larger the carat the more expensive the stone. Keep in mind, however, that a diamond which is 1.90ct can be far less expensive than a 2ct diamond yet the size visually can be nearly unnoticeable.

Larger diamonds are both rarer and more desirable and therefore the value will increase in sharp jumps, combined with the color (how white is the diamond?) The clarity (how visible are the inclusions?) and the cut (shape and facets of diamond that determine the reflection) will all bring a certain value to the stone, each property is important, some will choose a larger stone of 1ct and sacrifice on the clarity, others will prefer a near flawless but smaller stone, how you choose your stone will determine its value and final price.