DIAMONDS: Diamond Grading & Value

VIDEO: How to Choose a Diamond - GIA

The value and quality of different diamonds is determined by four separate factor: colour, cut, carat and clarity. To find the best diamond for your budget we work out the best compromise between these four factors.

• COLOUR:

Diamond colour is graded on a scale of D-Z (colourless-fancy yellow). This is the GIA colour grading system. Diamonds that come in different colours are known as fancy colour diamonds and their colour is caused by chemical/mineral impurities.

• CUT:

The cut of a diamond refers to its shape (round brilliant or fancy shapes) and finish (graded from excellent-poor). When a diamond is perfectly cut it will internally reflect all incidental light.

• CARAT:

Carat is a measurement of weight.

1ct = 100pts = 200mg = around 6.5mm diameter

This is a very important factor when determining the value of the stone, but two stones of equal carat weight can vary in price massively depending on the other 3 factors.

• CLARITY:

The clarity of a diamond depends on the presence of imperfections under a 10x magnification. These small imperfections are what make each diamond unique. The fewer imperfections the rarer the gemstone. The GIA international grading system is the most common system to use.

Fluoroesence is another important factor to consider when choosing the perfect diamond. Fluouroesence is a phenomenon that causes some gemstones to glow in the presence of UV light (which is present in daylight). This is additional characteristic that can be used to identify a specific diamond.