Diamonds & Gemstones

   a-The Anatomy of a Diamond:

 b- The 4 C's:

COLOR:
One factor that determines the value of a diamond is its color. With the exception of fancy-colored
diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least color. Although many people think of
gem quality diamonds as colorless, completely colorless diamonds are very rare. The diamond color
scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). A diamond's color is determined by a manual
process of comparing the diamond to a master set. Each letter grade represents a range of color and is
a measurement of how noticeable a color is.
When diamonds are formed with traces of other minerals, rare and beautiful colors can result. These
“fancy” colors range from blue and brilliant yellow to red, brown, pale green, pink, and violet. Because
of their rarity, colored diamonds are highly desirable and typically more valuable.

CLARITY:

A diamond’s clarity is measured by the existence or absence of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes
or internal inclusions, even those seen only under magnification, can alter the brilliance of the diamond
and thus affect its value. Clarity levels begin with flawless (FL, IF), followed by very, very slight
(VVS1, VVS2), very slight (VS1, VS2), slightly included (SI1, SI2), and included (I1, I2, and I3).

CUT:

While cut does include shape, in terms of the 4 Cs it refers to the proportions of the cut.
A diamond’s cut grade is an objective measure of a diamond’s light performance, or the amount of
sparkle a diamond has.

A diamond’s overall proportions, as well as the size and position of its facets, make up the cut. The
consistency and balance of these can greatly affect how the stone captures light and reflects it
back to the eye. When a diamond is cut with the proper proportions, light enters the diamond and
is returned through the top of the diamond. If a diamond is too shallow, light will escape from the
bottom of the stone. If it is cut too deep, light will escape out the sides.

Studies have been conducted to find the optimum proportions of a diamond’s cut so that it has the
greatest amount of sparkle. If its cut falls within these parameters, it is considered an ideal cut.
Diamonds with fine proportions, symmetry and polish optimize their interaction with light and have
increased brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation.

CARAT:

Carat refers to a diamond's weight. One carat, the traditional unit of measurement for diamonds, is
approximately 0.2 grams. You may also hear the weight of a diamond referred to in points. One carat
is equivalent to 100 points, so a 75-point diamond is equal to 0.75 carats. Because they are rarer,
larger diamonds have greater value per carat, so the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its
size.

c-The Stone Shapes:

d-The Stone Cuts:

d-The Diamond Size Chart: