Two
diamonds that look alike at
first may, in fact, be very
different. Two diamonds of
equal size can have very
unequal values. The
differences between them may
be subtle indeed.
To understand these
differences is to understand
the 4C's:
It is the different
combinations of all these
characteristics that
determines the quality and
value of a diamond.
Cut
Many
people confuse cut with the
shape of a diamond. Diamonds
are cut into a number of
shapes, depending on the
nature of the rough stone.
The most popular are round
brilliant, marquise, oval,
princess, pear, heart and
emerald. The choice is
largely a matter of personal
preference. Whatever the
shape, however, a well-cut
diamond is the work of a
master diamond cutter. When
cut to good proportions, the
diamond is better able to
reflect light, creating more
scintillation, more sparkle.
It is the cut that enables a
diamond to make the best use
of light. 1. When diamonds
are cut to ideal
proportions, light is
reflected from one facet to
another and then dispersed
through the top of the
stone. 2. If the cut of the
diamond is too deep, some
light escapes through the
opposite side of the
pavilion. 3. If the cut is
too shallow, light escapes
through the pavilion before
it can be reflected.
Ideal Cut
Shallow Cut
Deep Cut
Color
Diamonds are found with a
range of colors, from colorless to faint yellow or
brown through to the very rare pinks, blues, greens
and other colors known as "fancies." The most
desirable color for a diamond is no color. It is the
colorless diamond that allows white light to pass
effortlessly through it and be dispersed and
reflected out as a rainbow of colors.
Color grading scale from
totally colorless to light
yellow. The difference
between one grade and
another are very subtle, as
can be seen by the number
grades within each category.
Color and
Value
Color has a strong influence
on the value of a diamond.
Generally the more colorless
a diamond appears, the
greater its aesthetic
appeal. In addition, color
is the most obvious feature
of the diamond's appearance
after its shape. The
immediate effect of the
combination of color and
shape is what demands our
attention. It can be
generally stated that the
higher the color of the
diamond, the more rare is
that gemstone. Indeed, truly
colorless diamonds are
extremely rare. It is
scarcity in nature of
diamonds graded "D", "E" and
"F" which makes them so
valuable.
Clarity
To determine a diamond's
clarity, it is viewed under
10-power magnification by a
trained eye. Most diamonds
contain very small natural
inclusions. The fewer and
smaller the inclusions are,
the less likely it is that
they will interfere with the
passage of light through the
diamond and the more
beautiful the diamond will
sparkle. Diamonds, more than
any other gemstone, have the
capacity to produce the
maximum amount of
brilliance. A diamond that
is free of internal/external
inclusions is very rare and
therefore more valuable.
Where the inclusions lie,
their size, and their type
determine the value of the
stone. Inclusions are rated
as follows:
F1
Flawless
IF
Internally
Flawless - minor
surface
blemishes
VVS1-VVS2
very, very small
inclusions
VS1-VS2
very small
inclusions
SI1-SI2
small inclusions
I1-I2-I3
Imperfect -
inclusions
visible to the
eye.
Slight
inclusions, although they
reduce the value of a
diamond, do not take
anything away from its
beauty.
Carat
Weight
This is
the weight of the diamond
measured in carats. One
carat is divided into 100
"points", so that a diamond
of 75 points weighs .75
carats. Carat weight is the
easiest of the 4C's to
determine. But two diamonds
of equal weight can have
very unequal value,
depending on their cut,
color and clarity. Fine
quality can be found in
diamonds of all shapes and
sizes.
is
a full-service Bridal
Superstore store
operating under the same
ownership for over
Fifty-One Years. We specialize in designer
jewelry, custom-made
jewelry,
wedding bands and
affordable but beautifulhigh quality diamond
engagement rings
specializing in these of
the world famous " J. C.
Millennium Cut Diamond". Our
newly decorated mall
store offers the finest and largest
collection of Lladro
Figurines in the region.
We also carry manyof
the designer
lines seen in the latest
fashion magazines.
Special thanks to
termlifeamerica.com
offering
term life insurance,
disability insurance
and
long term care insurance
for their help in the
construction of this
site.
Nationwide! 800-264-1872 For Assistance In
Placing Your Order
Buying could not be easier, We are an Island of "The Finest Quality Jewelry" in
a Sea of Mass Merchandisers
Open Mall Hours
Howard's
Jewelry & Gifts, Inc.
115 Laurel Mall West Hazleton, PA 18202
Ideal Cut
Shallow Cut
Deep Cut
Brilliant/Round
