Diamonds are some of the most sought-after stones in the world. However, no two diamonds are alike. Many have different characteristics, and those characteristics determine their value. Learn about jewelers Williamsburg VA to uncover more information about diamonds. Check out these four factors of diamond quality.
- Color
Diamonds come in a variety of colors. Some diamonds have a light yellow hue while others have a faint yellow tint. There exist a color scale that many diamond graders use to determine the tone and saturation of a diamond. The scale ranges from light, to very light, to faint, to nearly colorless, to colorless. It is worth mentioning that color has a profound effect on the cost of a diamond. Diamonds that lack color are considered very rare and extremely valuable.
- Cut
There are several factors graders look into when assessing the cut of a diamond. These factors include fire, brightness, scintillation, symmetry, weight ratio, polish, and durability. Note that the cut of a stone differs significantly from its shape; cut relates to the facet arrangement of a diamond. The different cut grades are poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent.
- Carat Weight
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat represents 200 milligrams. In the jewelry industry, there are carat weights that are considered magic sizes–they are called this because the price of a diamond becomes substantially higher if it meets a specific size. Some magic sizes are 0.5 carat, 0.75 carat, and 1.00 carat.
- Clarity
Many diamonds have internal flaws called inclusions and external flaws called blemishes because of their exposure to heat and pressure. By examining these flaws, graders can determine the clarity of a diamond. The fewer flaws a diamond has, the more it is worth.
There are a vast array of diamonds available on the market. Each one is unique, possessing its own set of traits.