|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIAMOND
FACTS | DIAMOND BUYING GUIDE |
|
|
|
|
Diamond
Color | Diamond Clarity | Diamond Weight | Diamond Cut| Diamond
Fluoroscence | Diamond Certificates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Diamond Color:
We think color is one is one of the most important factors to
consider when selecting a diamond because it is one of the first
things most people notice-whether or not the diamond is
"white". It is also one of the most significant factors
affecting value. Today, the color designation frequently used to
grade an absolutely water clear, colorless diamond is the letter D.
The GIA classification progresses from D, the finest classification
on this scale (colorless), through the alphabet Z, getting
progressively yellower. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D:
Absolutely colorless. The clearest diamond color grade, which is very rare.
E:
Extremely colorless. Trained gemologists can detect slight color. A
high-quality diamond.
F:
Colorless. Only trained gemologists can detect color. Lowest of the
colorless grades.
G-H:
Near-colorless. When compared to better color grades, slight color
detectable, but is a much better value.
I-J:
Near-colorless. Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.
K-M:
Sndgems does not carry these color grades. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
D, E, and F
can all be grouped as exceptionally fine and may be referred as
"colorless," "exceptionally white" or "rare
white". G and H may be referred to as "fine white" or
"rare white." These grades are considered very good. I and
J colors are slightly tinted white. K and L show a tint of yellow or brown. |
|
|
|
|
|
What is fluorescence?
If the diamond you are considering is accompanied by a diamond
grading report, it will indicate whether the diamond has some degree
of fluorescence. This is a property that some stones posses which
causes them to appear a different color in some lights than in other
lights. A diamond that fluoresces might look white that it is really
in certain light. Related to diamond color, fluorescence is a unique
effect that causes a diamond to produce a slight blue glow when
exposed to intense, direct ultraviolet light. Some people seek
diamonds that produce this unique effect, while others definitely
want to avoid it — it's purely a matter of taste. |
|
|
|
|
|
For the
purist, look for a colorless diamond with a grade of D-F and a
fluorescence rating of none, faint, or slight. |
|
|
For an
excellent value in a diamond with no noticeable color to the unaided
eye, look for a near-colorless grade of G-I, and a fluorescence grade
of medium or strong blue. |
|
|
|
|
|
Or, if you'd
rather not compromise on color but would like to stay on budget,
choose a diamond with a good cut and SI1–SI2 clarity and
consider going with a strong fluorescence. It will still be beautiful
to the unaided eye and you may prefer the unique effect of a strong fluorescence. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Diamond
Clarity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diamonds that
are absolutely clean are very much in demand and are therefore the
most expensive. View Details. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Diamond
Cut |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In its natural
state, a diamond's beauty is generally concealed. While nature
determines a diamond's color, clarity, and carat weight, the hand of
a master craftsman is needed to release its fire and beauty. View
Details. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Carat
Weight |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diamonds are
sold by the carat (ct)-not to be confused with karat (kt), which
refers to gold quality in the Unites States. Once you've determined
what cut, color, and clarity grade you're looking for in a diamond,
it's easy to determine the carat weight of diamond that will fit
within your budget. View
Details. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
