TUTORIAL

 THE 4 C` s ABOUT DIAMOND

The value and quality of a diamond, jewelers verify each of the 4 Cs - carat weight, cut, clarity, and color. All of these qualities are combined to determine the value of all diamonds. The rarest stones exhibit the finest qualities in each of the 4 Cs and have the most value. Each of the 4 Cs must be considered to boast a well-balanced diamond. All diamonds have a unique combination of the 4 Cs varying in quality. Being able to identify what makes a particular diamond a right choice will not only be of value to you, but will demonstrate the time and sentiment you've invested on the decision.

CARAT

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All diamonds are measured in carats (not to be confused with Karats) , which are used to measure the purity of gold). By definition, 1 carat is exactly 200 miligrams. The term points is also used, especially for stones that weigh less than 1/2 a carat. For example, a 50 point diamond is the equivalent of a 1/2 carat stone (0.50). Large diamonds, which are found infrequently in nature, flaunt the stone's delicate color and exquisite cut, hence the overall brilliance. Though larger diamonds are highly sought, a diamond of lesser size may have higher clarity and color or a more precise cut and be of equal value.It is important, also, not to confuse weight with size. Two diamonds with exactly the same size might weight differently. The same can be argued when comparing the carat weight among different stones. Since each mineral has a different density, a 1-carat diamond will have a different volume than, say, a 1-carat sapphire.

CUT

Through history, the diamond has experienced numerous changes in style -Some famous, some very infamous as well. Nowadays, however, most agree on the prevalence of two basic types of cuts: The brilliant cut and the step cut.The brilliant cut possesses triangular facets that revolve the stone and lead to a flat top.

PROPORTIONS

Ideal proportions for a round diamond, for instance, are 57% Depth (the proportion of the total height of the diamond compared to the girdle diameter) and 59% Table (the proportion of the table size compared to the girdle diameter). By definition, this is called the "ideal cut" and round diamonds showing these proportions are very expensive and highly sought after. This does not mean, however, that only ideal cut diamonds will show brilliance and fire! There are many other factors to be considered (such as color, clarity and carat size) and any diamond close enough to this measurements will bring the scintillating effect generally sought in a diamond. Ideal Cut concept, however, becomes very fussy with other shapes and it is for the expert gemmologist to judge the the beauty and value of a diamond.

PARTS

SHAPES

Shape refers to the inherent shape of the diamond. Among the most common shapes available on the market are the round cut, the marquise, the pear shape, the oval, the princess cut, the emerald cut, the heart shape and the radiant cut.

CLARITY

The clarity of a diamond determines how captivating its gleam is. All diamonds have identifying characteristics, but most are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10X magnifying loupe the appearance of tiny crystals, feathers or clouds can be identified. These natural phenomena are called inclusions. Large inclusions may interfere with the path of light cascading through a diamond, thus effecting its vibrancy. There are five categories in class that anyone interested in purchasing a diamond should be aware of when grading clarity.

Diamonds that reveal no flaws on the surface or internally. These are the rarest and most beautiful gems treasured for their absolute purity.

Diamonds with minute inclusions absolutely invisible to the naked eye. Only through careful inspection with a microscope can these tiny inclusions be accurately pinpointed. The brilliance of the stone does not suffer in this category.

Diamonds with tiny inclusions difficult to locate. Only a trained eye looking through a 10X loupe can pinpoint the inclusions in this category. The inclusions are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.

Diamonds with inclusions easily identified through a loupe. Finding flaws in this category with the naked eye is difficult for the SI1 - SI2 range. The gems in this category maintain their integrity, depending on the location of the inclusions. They are an attractive choice when working within a fixed budget without sacrificing beauty or value. Inclusions in an SI3 graded diamond may be seen to the unaided eye, although not with substantial ease. Consider an SI3 as a good I1. Diamonds with inclusions which may be seen by the naked eye.

COLOR

Grades in the color of diamonds range from D-Z, D being truly colorless and of the highest quality. E and F are also graded as colorless while G, H, I and J are near colorless. Diamonds graded K, L, and M will have obvious hints of color and as the scale approaches P you may find subtle changes in hue and tone. The exceptions to the rule are "Fancy" diamonds- in well-highlighted colors that include pink, blue, red, green, and canary yellow. These are particularly rare and highly treasured.To appreciate the quality of a colorless diamond, compare several stones side by side with a jeweler.

Pure gold is 24 karat which is very soft and not useful to use jewellery production.24 karat gold consist 99.5 % gold items.Silver,copper and palladium are used to make lower karats which are used in jewellery production.These karats and the percentages are standart in all around the world.But,different countries have different karats of gold in their jewellers.We can give these examples like 8 karat in Germany,9 karat in Britain,21 karat in Saudi Arabia and etc.

COLOR OF THE GOLD

Color of the gold depence on the percentage of additions which are used to make different karats of gold.If the goldsmith use silver more than copper and palladium,he gets yellow gold.If he use more copper than others he gets the rose gold.When he use palladium more than others he gets the white gold.Color of the gold doesn`t effect the value of gold.

HARDNESS OF GOLD

The higher karats are softer than lower karats.Because pure gold is very soft.After the goldsmith added additional items in the gold,it gets harder.For example 22 karat gold is softer than 18 karat gold...

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