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Diamond: How To Choose One, A Beginner’s Guide
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Diamond: How to Choose One, A Beginner’s Guide
Diamonds are a fascinating and highly sought-after gemstone that are renowned for their beauty, durability, and rarity. These precious stones are formed deep within the earth’s mantle over millions of years and are composed entirely of carbon. Diamonds are highly prized for their unique properties and have been used in jewellery, art, and industry for centuries. Understanding the characteristics that make diamonds valuable can help clients select a diamond that suits their preferences and budget.
Diamond
A diamond is a unique gemstone made entirely of carbon. It is the hardest natural substance on earth and is highly resistant to scratches and damage. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure. They are then brought to the earth’s surface through volcanic activity or mining. The purity of diamonds is typically around 99.95 percent carbon, with the remaining 0.05 percent being trace elements such as nitrogen, boron, or hydrogen. These trace elements can impact a diamond’s colour, clarity, and shape.
The Four Cs
The Four Cs are a universal standard for evaluating the quality of a diamond. These four characteristics are clarity, colour, cut, and carat weight.
Clarity
Diamonds have unique characteristics such as inclusions and blemishes that affect their clarity. Inclusions are internal characteristics that can be crystals, minerals, or other materials that are trapped inside the diamond as it forms. Blemishes are external characteristics that can be scratches, chips, or other surface marks. The relative absence of these characteristics determines the clarity of the diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has a scale of 11 clarity grades ranging from flawless to included, with flawless diamonds having no visible inclusions or blemishes even under 10x magnification.
Colour
Diamonds are often thought of as colourless, but they can have subtle hues of yellow, brown, or even pink or blue. The presence or absence of colour can significantly impact a diamond’s value. Truly colourless diamonds are rare and are graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The GIA has a strict grading system for evaluating a diamond’s colour based on its tone, hue, and saturation. The grade of a diamond’s colour can impact its value significantly, with more colourless diamonds being more valuable.
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond can make light perform in breathtaking ways, resulting in a magnificent display of its attributes. The most popular cut for diamonds is the standard round brilliant, which has 57 or 58 facets. However, there are many other cuts, including princess, emerald, cushion, and oval. The cut of a diamond is crucial as it determines its brilliance (the white light reflected from the diamond’s surface), fire (the dispersion of light into spectral colours), and scintillation (the sparkle or flashes of light as the diamond moves).
Carat Weight
A diamond’s weight is measured in metric carats, with one carat being equal to 0.2 grams. The carat weight of a diamond is a significant factor in determining its value, with larger diamonds being rarer and more valuable than smaller ones. The price of a diamond also increases exponentially with carat weight due to their rarity. The size of a diamond can also impact its appearance, with larger diamonds appearing more impressive and luxurious.
Conclusion
Diamonds are a fascinating and beautiful gemstone that are highly valued for their unique properties. Understanding the Four Cs can help clients select the perfect diamond that meets their preferences and budget. By considering the clarity, colour, cut, and carat weight of a diamond, clients can choose a diamond that is unique and meets their individual needs. When buying diamonds in Australia, it is essential to ensure that the diamond is certified by a reputable gemological institute such as the GIA. This certification guarantees that the diamond’s quality is accurately evaluated and that the diamond is natural and untreated. It is also recommended to purchase from a reputable jeweller who can provide expert advice and guidance throughout the selection process. By following these tips, customers can make informed decisions when purchasing diamonds in Australia and ensure that they are getting the best value for their investment.
* Data Source: Diamonds and Diamond Value-Diamond Essentials, GIA Gemological Institute of America
Are You Worrying About the Authenticity of A Diamond?
If you’re worrying about the authenticity of a diamond, here’s a post that might help you to at least do your own check before committing to a piece.
Blog Post: How to tell if diamonds are real: click here
Need some friendly assistance to choose your unique diamond? Come to our Forest Hill Chase store to have a chat.
If you’re in search of the ideal diamond but don’t know where to start, we would love to invite you to come and have a chat with our friendly team at Gillian’s Jewellery Forest Hill! Our team of experts is always happy to share their knowledge and help you find the diamond that meets your unique preferences and budget.
We offer a vast collection of exquisite diamonds, and we’re committed to providing top-notch service that exceeds your expectations. Whether you’re looking for a classic round brilliant or a unique fancy shape, we’ve got you covered.
So why not stop by and say hello? We’d love to show you our selection and discuss your options with you. We’re confident that we can help you find the perfect diamond that will make your heart skip a beat. Come to Gillian’s Jewellery and let us help you make your diamond dreams come true!
