Diamond Guide
The value of a diamond is directly affected by the 4 C’s (4 characteristics of a diamond used throughout the world to classify the rarity of the stone). The 4c’s are different properties in the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of a diamond. These characteristics greatly influence the rarity of the stone, and therefore the price. Each of the grades discussed below describes a different aspect of a diamond.

Carat
All diamonds are measured in carats (not to be confused with Karats, which are used to measure the purity of gold). The term “points” is also used, especially for stones that weigh less than 1.00 carat. For example, a 50 point diamond is the equivalent of a 1/2 carat stone (0.50). Large diamond crystals are found infrequently in nature, though larger diamonds are highly sought after, a diamond of lesser size may have higher clarity , better color or a more precise cut and so be of equal value.



Cut
A diamond has unique powers of light reflection. Many gemologists consider the cut of a diamond to be the most important characteristic of a diamond. When a diamond is cut from good to ideal proportions, it gathers light within itself, and disperses through the top of the diamond, resulting in a display of brilliance. In simple terms the better the diamonds cut, the more sparkle the diamond will have.



Color
Diamonds occur naturally in various colours. Diamonds are graded by color using an alphabetical scale from D to Z. Diamonds of a colorless grade in the D - F range are much more valuable than those in the L - P range because of the rarity of colorless diamonds. The affect of color on the cost of a diamond can be dramatic. Two diamonds of the same weight, clarity, size and shape can have a cost difference of over 100% between a color F and J. The near-colorless range of F -H represents excellent value.



The exceptions to the rule are "Fancy" diamonds- in well-highlighted colors that include pink, blue, red, green, and yellow. These are particularly rare and highly treasured.

Clarity
The clarity of a diamond determines how captivating its gleam is. Virtually all diamonds contain inclusions, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. These inclusions are microscopic features that may look like clouds, specks, or fine lines when viewed with a jeweller’s microscope. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is. This increase in value is based on rarity.


The larger the inclusions or number of inclusions lowers the value of the diamond. Large inclusions may interfere with the path of light cascading through a diamond, thus affecting its vibrancy. A clarity grade of SI2 or higher represent exellent value as these have no inclusions visible by the unaided eye.

Shape
Shape refers to the inherent shape of the diamond.