How to choose a Diamond

The carat is the standard unit of measurement for diamond weight. The term is of Greek origin ("keration"). In antiquity, "keration" was the name for carob seeds, used as a unit of measurement for natural stones, and more. In Romania, the "carat" was adopted in 1911.

A carat (ct) equals 1/5 of a gram, i.e. 0.20 grams. Therefore, 5 ct = 1.00 g. Diamonds over 2 carats are rare, harder to find in mining exploration, which makes them more valuable. Therefore, a 2 carat diamond is more valuable than 2 diamonds of 1 carat each of comparable quality, hence their higher price.

When comparing two diamonds of the same size, we must not make the mistake of considering them to be of the same weight (number of carats). Depending on how they were cut, they can have different weights. For example, a diamond cut too deep (sharper) may appear small for its weight and suffer in terms of brilliance. br Depending on the cut, the diamonds carat (weight) is closely related to the apparent diameter.

The term color can be confusing when it comes to colorless diamonds, color grade actually measures the absence of color in a diamond.

The GIA grades diamond color based on how white or colorless a diamond is on a scale from D to Z. Color grade D is the highest and is considered completely colorless. Finding natural diamonds of this grade is extremely rare. The Z color grade indicates a diamond with a noticeable yellow or brown tint.

The distinction between these individual color gradations is almost invisible to the naked, untrained eye. However, these distinctions make a very big difference in the quality and price of the diamond.

It is also important to note that a higher color grade is not always beneficial for a diamond if the cut is not a good one and it reduces the brilliance and sparkle of that stone.

Considered one of the most important characteristics of a diamond, clarity is measured in the number and size of the smallest imperfections found in almost all diamonds. Most imperfections are microscopic and do not affect the beauty of diamonds.

Natural diamonds are the result of carbon deep in the earth exposed to tremendous heat and pressure. This process can result in a variety of internal features called "inclusions" and external features called "spots".

GIA uses the term "characteristics" instead of imperfections / defects. This term better reflects the character and properties of a natural diamond and the inevitability of natural inclusions and blemishes. The GIA clarity scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided for a total of 11 specific grades.

Less than one percent of all diamonds have a Flawless (FL) clarity grade, they will command a price commensurate with their rarity. Even Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds that may have small blemishes and inclusions visible only under 10x magnification are very rare. br Most of the diamonds preferred by customers fall into the VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included), VS (Very Slight Included) and SI (Slightly Included) categories. Diamonds with these clarity grades are considered "eye perfect", with no imperfections visible to the naked eye.

An important aspect of a diamond's clarity is to ensure that inclusions do not interfere with the reflection of light. When this happens, the sparkle, sparkle and overall beauty of the diamond appears dulled.

The sparkle of a diamond is truly unique. The renowned ability to transmit light and shine so intensely comes from the interaction of the diamond's facets with light. And that interaction is due to the quality of the cut. br We can say that the cut grade of diamonds is the objective way to measure the luminous performance, generically described as "brilliant".

Often a diamond's cut is confused with its shape (round/brilliant, emerald, pear, etc.), but the grade of a diamond's cut really refers to how well the diamond's facets interact with light.

Each stone is examined by skilled craftsmen to determine the best cut to maximize brilliance through a balance of proportion, symmetry and polish. Making the best cut for a diamond is reflected in its ultimate beauty and value. Of all the 4Cs, it is the most complex and difficult to analyze from a technical point of view.

To determine the cut grade of a brilliant diamond – the shape used in most diamond jewelry – the GIA calculates the proportions of those facets that influence the appearance of the diamond when viewed from above. These proportions allow the GIA to assess the best cut for a diamond by studying how well a diamond interacts with light to create the desired visual effects, such as:

Brightness: internal and external white light reflected by a diamond br Threads: scattering white light into all the colors of the rainbow br Scintillation: the amount of sparkle a diamond produces and the pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond