How to Value a Diamond: 4 Important Factors
The quality and therefore value of a diamond is clarified by four important characteristics – Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. If you can master these, then you’ve got a lot more knowledge to ensure you buy a beautiful diamond.
Carat
A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. 1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams.
The price of a diamond rises equivalent to its size because large diamonds are found much less commonly, and therefore have a greater value per carat.
Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to flaws on the surface of and within the diamond. Flaws can occur during the diamond’s formation or during the cutting processes. Diamonds with few or no flaws are very rare and therefore more highly valued.
The scale runs from F through to I:
F: Flawless.
IF: Internally flawless.
VVS1 – VVS2: Very very slightly included.
VS1 – VS2: Very slightly included.
SI1 – SI2: Slightly included.
I1, I2, I3: Included.
Colour
Diamond colour refers to the amount of yellow colour that can be seen in white diamonds. The less colour a diamond has the more light it refracts, making the diamond more brilliant. As such the whiter a diamond is, the greater its value.
The scale runs from D through to Z:
D, E, F: Colourless.
G, H, I, J: Near colourless.
K, L, M: Faint yellow.
N, O, P, Q, R: Very light yellow.
S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z: Light yellow.
Cut
Diamond cut refers to the reflective qualities of the diamond. This shouldn’t be confused with the diamonds shape, which is the outward appearance of the diamond.
When a diamond is well cut, light will travel through reflecting from one side to the other and back out again. This will give it more brilliance. A poorly cut diamond will reflect less light back out and therefore have less brilliance.
When buying a diamonds be sure to ask about the gradings of colour and clarity, and also what the carat weight is as well how reflective the cut is. This will help determine the rarity of the diamond and therefore how valuable it is. If buying from an individual piece from a jeweller you can also ask to see certification (given by a legitimate association body) for the diamond to confirm its authenticity.
Auther Bio: Jonathan is the owner of Libertons, an antique jewellery marketplace specializing in the sale of diamond jewellery from rings and earrings to necklaces and brooches.
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