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The
4Cs of Diamonds
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The 4Cs ( Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut) are an oversimplifiled measure
of diamond quality. It is essential that you are equipped with the relevant
knowledge enabling you to know exactly what you are buying and what price
you should be paying.
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Carat
The
weight of the diamond is expressed in carats. One carat
equals 0.20 grams. Size is the most obvious factor in determining
the value of a diamond. The larger diamond will have considerably
more value. However, Two diamonds of the same carat weight
can have very different values, depending on the cut, colour
and clarity so it is important that all four characteristics
are taken into account.
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Color
The
colored tinting found in most diamonds is caused by minute
impurities within the stone.
Diamond colours are graded according to letters of the alphabet,
starting at D the exceptionally white and exceptionally
rare, right the way through to the letter Z, the tinted
yellowy/brown colour.The degree of colourlessness has an
influence on its beauty and thus price.the completely colourless
diamonds are extremely rare and are priced accordingly
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Clarity
All
diamonds have imperfections called inclusions and blemishes.The
fewer inclusions, the greater the clarity, the rarer the stone
and the more valuable the diamond. The clarity rating of diamonds
is a key measure and consideration. This rating has a direct
effect on a diamondfs beauty and price.
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CUT
The
beauty of the diamond depends on the way it reflects light,
and the cutter must shape the facets in such a way as to
admit and reflect the maximum amount of light, so that the
diamond sparkles with fire, brilliance and scintillation.When
a diamond is cut to maximize brilliance, dispersion and
scintillation, it usually loose size. More of the stone
must be cut away. Conversely, when cut for size, the diamond
usually loses brilliance, dispersion and scintillation.
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