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4 C's how about the
7 'C's of Diamond Quality ?
Carat, Cut, Clarity, Color, Combination, Character, Choices and a Proverb !
1. Carat
Important:
Perhaps the most misunderstand element of diamonds, is that you are buying a weight of stone, and not a size, although a half-carat diamond, if cut according to accepted standards is of a certain diameter and or size. This is important, to understand, since an improperly cut diamond, one cut to maximize the size and weight of a rough diamond, and maximize the price, may not be cut to the ideal proportions that would bring out the most brilliance and fire.
A Carat represents a certain weight of a diamond, and that indirectly, reflects a certain size. A half-carat diamond would measure approximately 5.2 m.m. in diameter. But the Carat does actually refer to weight. One ounce of diamonds measures 142 Carats.
(Carat with a C, refers to diamond weight and size while Karat with a K refers to the quality of a gold piece where 24 Karat is 100% pure gold. 14 Karat equal 14/24 or 58% Gold content, etc . . .)
The term One Carat is broken down to 100 points,
so that a 1/4 Carat diamond represents .25 of a Carat or 25 points. A .01
Carat diamond is a small 1 point diamond.
2. Cut
Perhaps the single most important element to a diamond with fire and brilliance is its quality of cut.
Cut, in this instance, does not refer to the
type of cut, ie round brilliant, marquis, oval, princess, but "cut" refers
to how well the proportions and the angles of the diamond based on the "ideal"
parameters that would result in the most brilliant diamond for a particular
style of diamond. You see the catch is this, since a diamond is sold on the
basis of weight, some diamonds are cut to maximize the weight of the stone,
and not the brilliance of the stone. If you take a rough diamond, you can
get 40% less weight by cutting it to the best optical proportions. One helpful
technical ration, is that the table, the largest plane as seen from the top,
should range from 53% to 57% of the total width of the diamond.
A well cut diamond can be judged by examining how well it reacts to
the light, with the "IDEAL CUT" being the most well proportioned diamond.
A well cut stone, has a high degree of brilliance and refractive powers, as
noted by the "lively" play of light and color. Since more properly cut diamonds,
such as the Canadian Ideal or Canadian Fine, leave less of the original rough
diamond rough, they are sold at a premium. Be careful of overlighting in
some displays.
You will note that in regards to Canadian Polar Bear diamonds, they are graded to three basic categories. Canadian Ideal, Canadian Fine and Canadian. A comparative GIA grading system for cut is also available.
In smaller stones, less than 3 points, be aware
that diamonds can be single-cut, containing only 18 facets, verses the full-cut
diamond which contains 58 facets.
WE RECOMMEND A VERY GOOD,
TO IDEAL CUT DIAMOND
3. Clarity
Clarity, is graded, and follows a scale, from Flawless to Imperfect. The Clarity is determined by evaluating the degree, amount and location of "inclusions" within the diamond, under 10 power magnification, by a trained eye. Eye perfect diamonds, are those that appear flawless to the eye. These qualities are graded as follows.
Note that all these diamonds based on clarity alone, appear flawless to the eye, looking from the top, and the clarity does very little to affect the brilliance of the diamond in this quality range.
WE RECOMMEND
A SI One Clarity Grade or a very good SI 2, or better.
However in larger stones a very good I1, can be impressive relative to pricing.
4. Color
The color of the diamond is a graded factor, between D and M.
D represents a diamond of exceptional white color, or blue white, similar to the dark color of ice.E, F, G, are high colors of color that are rare white. H represents a diamond of white color. I to M represent lower color increments that suggest a lower color grade.
WE RECOMMEND A H COLOR
OR BETTER DEPENDING ON YOUR BUDGET AND OTHER VARIABLES.
5. Combination
It is important to appreciate that diamond
quality is the composite of three major factors that impact on the brilliance
of the diamond. Cut, Color and Clarity. How well the diamond is cut would
be the single most important factor, followed by color and clarity, within
certain parameters. The combination of the physical characteristics of the
diamond, relative to a specific diamond size, and relative to price will
determine the real value of a diamond.
WE RECOMMEND AN IDEAL
OR VERY GOOD CUT, SI One, G-H COLOR OR BETTER.
6. Character
This component of diamond quality, is not a
factor reflective of the diamond but of the firm or individual from whom you
purchase the diamond. Since some degree of trust is essential in purchasing
a good quality and or a good value diamond, it is advisable that you seek
qualified and honest diamond dealers.
7. Choices
A diamond is a beautiful symbol of eternal love, its durability, and brilliance is a fitting tribute to the trails of life and love. True love bears difficulties and shines. Perhaps the diamond, is a tribute to the trials of life, that takes a piece of carbon, and under "high stresses" produces a diamond of distinction, durability, and character. Our philosophy is that the decision as to the amount to spend on the purchase of a diamond should be based on a realization of the many other priorities of life and living. (we do not accept the two month rule) Please budget accordingly. Having a positive long term relationship, will provide you with many opportunites for those special jewellery items, for you, and your family. May you live long, have many good children and prosper.
Let us now examine the most important "choice" decision in the purchase of a diamond,
a choice that is not concerned as to WHAT you buy,
but
for WHOM you buy; select with CARE.
8. The Proverb.
A righteous wife who can find?
"dedicated to Marianne Rosso/Bertucci Squitti - Mama "The queen of Heart "
"A ruby red rose in the desert of
life 1919 - 2000 "
Thank-you and have a great day !
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"A Beautiful Difference"®