|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
How is the Value of a Diamond Determined?
To identify the factors that determine the value of a diamond in order of their importance, we list them as follows:
1. Clarity & Imperfections
2. Color Grades
3. Cut and Proportion
4. Carat Weight
Here is a quick guide:
Color Grade
Body color refers to how much yellow or brown tint is observable in the diamond.
The color designation frequently used to grade an absolutely colorless diamond is the letter D. This letter designation is part of a color-grading system introduced by the GIA and is used extensively in the diamond trade. The GIA classification progresses from D, the finest classification on this scale (colorless), through the alphabet to Z, getting progressively more yellow or brown. The grades, D, E, F are very fine and are the only grades that should be referred to as colorless. G and H may be referred to as “fine white.” Diamonds having color grades less fine than I still can make beautiful, highly desireable jewelry. It takes a trained eye to discern the difference in color from D down to H in a mounted stone. It takes comparison. The difference in color greatly affects the value of the diamond. The range of color becomes clear the moment you begin looking at diamonds. Our intention is to inform you so that you will be watchful when you go to purchase diamonds in the future.
Diamond Imperfections and Clarity
There are two types of flaws: internal flaws or inclustions; and external flaws or blemishes. Internal flaws include: lazer holes, pinpoints, haze, crystals, cracks and grain lines. External blemishes include nicks, roughness, pits, scratches and poor polishing.