Value of a diamond and the 4 universal Cs Color. Clarity. Cut. Carats.
For some of us, diamonds represent a very good investment, while for others they symbolize commitment to a loved one. And yet, not all diamonds are equally valuable and… sparkling. As you may have already heard, the most important characteristics in choosing a diamond define the “4Cs.” Thus, MOOGU has prepared a short intro for you about diamonds, meant to help you understand the factors that influence the quality and value of a diamond.
The story version of diamonds
Scientifically, diamonds can only be produced in the Earth's mantle – that layer located between the core and the Earth's crust, approximately 3000 km thick. These precious gems are formed under very high temperature and pressure conditions and then are carried to the surface of the Earth's crust through volcanic eruptions that occur underground.
Considering the environment of origin, you can imagine that diamonds reach the surface in a rough form, their appearance being less spectacular. The beauty of diamonds, considered by many specialists to be alive and captivating, is revealed only after many hours of work and meticulousness by skilled jewelers.
A diamond, in its initial state, is found in the form of a cubic crystal made up of 8 equilateral triangles – octahedron, with an opaque transparency. Only 30% of the diamonds on Earth can be polished and only with diamond powder and fullerene.
A diamond is pure carbon. And how it becomes the most desired gemstone, discover further.
How do you choose the right diamond?
The universal 4Cs represent the factors that help classify finished diamonds.
1.COLOR
Diamonds have the ability to refract and reflect light. Color D represents the best color grade of a diamond, being completely colorless and extremely rare in nature – for this reason, it becomes the most valuable color.
Diamonds graded from D to M are considered white diamonds, while those graded from N to Z are the most yellow or brown diamonds. The most commercially available diamonds are found in colors graded between G and H, while colors graded between D and F produce rare and high-quality diamonds.
Any diamond with a shade darker than the Z scale falls into the category of fancy diamonds. A natural fancy diamond represents one of the rarest and most expensive colored diamonds.
2.CLARITY
Clarity is more difficult to analyze with the naked eye, as it refers to how clear the diamond is and involves both magnification of several dozen times under a loupe and the expertise of a gemologist. However, you can notice if there are small inclusions / external or internal imperfections in the structure of the stone. It is important to take them into account, as in some situations, they can indicate the authenticity of the diamond.
· The best clarity of diamonds is FL (Flawless) and IF (Internally Flawless), however, these diamonds are exceptionally rare.
· If you want very good clarity, you can choose from VVS1 to VS2, with inclusions only visible under a microscope.
· Clarity grades VS2, SI1, and SI2 show small inclusions that cannot be seen with the naked eye, only visible with a 10X magnifier.
· MOOGU does not recommend diamonds with clarity grades I1, I2, I3, as they exhibit obvious imperfections that can affect the transparency and brilliance of a diamond.
3.CUT
The way a diamond is cut and polished determines its size, finish, and mesmerizing brilliance. However, to differentiate diamonds, you don't need to remember all the available types of cuts, but simply let yourself be captivated by the emotion that your favorite diamond offers you.
When a diamond is cut in correct and ideal proportions, light enters it and reflects that specific brilliance, that 'fire' of the diamond.
MOOGU recommends that the cut, symmetry, and polish of diamonds be VG 'very good / very good' or EX 'excellent symmetry grade'. The most modern cut is the brilliant cut – round, which has 57 or 58 facets.
4.CARAT WEIGHT
Carat is nothing more than the standard measure for the weight of gemstones, indicating the main criterion that influences the price of a diamond. In the case of small diamonds, measurement in points or hundredths is also frequently used. Depending on the cut, the carat weight of diamonds is closely related to the visible diameter.
Diamond Certification
A certificate is an evaluation report of the gemstone, prepared by a team of gemologists, in a laboratory equipped with special equipment, in the diamond industry.
A certificate proves that a diamond is genuine and establishes its technical characteristics – size, clarity, color, finish, symmetry – as well as the quality of the gemstone.
A gemstone certified by an independent gemology laboratory has a higher value.
Diamonds with a carat weight greater than 0.4 ct should be accompanied by a certificate issued by various accredited laboratories in the field.
Most diamonds are laser-inscribed on the girdle, with a unique number or series, so you can find the characteristics of the diamond with a simple Google search. This series cannot be seen with the naked eye and can only be viewed with a 10X magnifier.
Each accredited institute or laboratory has different standards for analyzing stones. The most prestigious and respected laboratory in the diamond industry is GIA (Gemological Institute of America), as it has very high and strict standards. Another prestigious institute is the HRD Antwerp Institute (Hoge Raad voor Diamant), which is based in Europe.
Other laboratories to consider:
·IGI (International Gemological Institute)
·EGL European Gemological laboratory
MOOGU jewelry contains diamonds sourced from Antwerp, with GIA or HRD certificates. Additionally, MOOGU is accredited to certify, classify, and evaluate gemstones and diamonds.
