Since diamonds are naturaly made by nature, each stone is unique in its shape (cut), weight / size (carat), quality (color and clarity). To properly grade and make sure everyone is speaking in the same term and language there is a need for standard grading system. GIA laboratory grading system of using the diamond 4C has been choosen as the standard for describing diamonds.
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. When a diamond has a 1 carat weight ( 1 CW) it means that it is a single solitaire stone weighing a total of 1 carat).
Most people often do get confused between CW (Carat Weight) and .CTW (Carat Total Weight). When a diamond has a total of 1 .CTW it means that the diamond is not made up of a single 1 carat diamond; it means that the diamond may be comprised of for example (5) .20 ctw smaller diamonds.
Eventhough a diamond can weigh the same ( 1 carat weight versus 1 carat total weight) the price can vary considerably. The larger the diamonds are, the rarer they are, thus making them more expensive. Whereas smaller diamonds are more commonly available and thus making it less expensive. Cluster diamond rings are a good example of a diamond that has a total of 1 CTW. The diamond ring will contain let's say 5 or 6 smaller pieces well divided to make up to a total of (1) carat total weight.
Cut
Cut refers to how well proportioned a diamond is cut. A diamond may have very good color and clarity, but if the diamond does not have a good cut, the light might be lost and it will make the diamond to have a dull, less brilliant appearance. Cut of a diamond are divided into 3 categories; Ideal Cut, Shallow Cut and Deep Cut.
When a diamond has an Ideal Cut, it means that the diamond has been cut with a perfect angles to show the diamond's full potential on light reflection and refraction. The cut is maybe the most important factor when selecting a diamond because it really defines the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond. If the diamond has an Ideal Cut, it means that the angles of the diamond is almost ideal thus the fire and sparkle will be reflected well to the naked eye. If a diamond has a shallow cut, it means that when the light enters the diamond through the table, the light is lost thus diminishing the brilliance of the diamond. On the other hand when a diamond has a deep cut, it means that when light enters the diamond through the table, the light escapes through the sides of the diamond and this will result in the diamond's dull appeareance.
Color
Color refers to the "color" of a diamond. Diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) through Z (has very strong hint of yellow color).
A diamond with D, E and F color is considered to be "colorless."
G, H and I color is "near colorless." A diamond with a color below I is often considered as "fancy" diamond meaning that the diamond has a very strong hint of color, mostly yellow hue. When selecting a diamond, please take the color to consideration as color and cut will increase the diamond's value and appearance.
This is considered to be the second most important aspect when selecting a diamond.
Clarity
Clarity simply means how clear and free of blemish a diamond is. Diamond's clarity is graded on a scale from IF (Internally Flawless) to I (Inclusions). When a diamond has a IF clarity, it means that the diamond is almost free of any flaws, but with some minor blemishes not visible to the naked eye and only visible under a 10 x magnifying glass. On the other end of the spectrum, is diamond with a I (I1, I2 and I3) clarity. When a diamond has an I clarity, it means that inclusions or blemishes is easily visible to the naked eye, thus diminishing the value and price of the diamond.
When buying a diamond, it's better to stay within a minimal of VS 2 clarity to be safe.
Also please bear in mind, when buying a larger diamond ( 1.50 carat and up) it's easier to spot any flaws or blemishes on the diamond.
However, sometimes these flaws or blemishes are located strategically, meaning the flaws are located near the girdle where most likely the diamond will be clasped and secured into a prong, or near the base of the diamond (culet). When these flaws are located near those 2 spots, they are not visible unless you take out the stone from the prongs.
Diamond which has flaws near the girdle or culet can be priced considerably less and yet still retain the other good attributes of the diamond.
It's very important to view the certification of the diamond if possible so that you are aware where the flaws are located.
Cost
Cost is another important major when buying a diamond. Your budget will determine the quality, cut, color, clarity of the diamond.
Some people want the biggest diamond for their budget. Some want a more proportionate quality within their budget. Whichever way you want it, it is important to educate yourself on diamond's 4Cs before purchasing one. Nowadays, online retailers can offer a very competitive price on diamond simply because they do not have to pay rent and they do not have much overhead. That's why they can price the diamond much lower. It's important however to find out if the online diamond seller is of a reputable background. Check out their website, read the customers' feedbacks, learn their return policy and so forth. By spending a little bit of time on research will save you money in the long run.
One of the most reputable diamond seller is www.BlueNile.com and they do offer a 30 day money back guarantee. Also their website allows customers to view each diamond's certificate, if any. Therefore you can pick out a stone and do a price comparison at your local diamond store.
Another way to simplify the process of buying diamonds is to go to diamond price comparison search engine, such as www.DiamondPriceComparison.com or www.DiamondForLess.com .
These two websites allow the customers to search loose diamond stones based on their preference in the cut, clarity, color, carat and cost.
Customers are also able to view each diamond's certificate, if any.
After you make your selection, the website will filter all the diamonds avaiable for sale and narrow down the result. From there you can pick out the diamond stone that best fits your preference. Most importantly, the website is FREE for customers to utilize. These websites also provide a complimentary store grading report. The report will allow customers to grade the different online diamond retailers based on their previous experience.
These reviews are strictly filtered by the websites' adminstrators to ensure the highest qualities for the reviews. The reviews will come from real online diamond shoppers like you and customers can exchange their views on the different stores. That way customers can feel secure before selecting a diamond store online by reading these reviews.
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