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The value of a diamond is measured by four categories: cut, colour, clarity and carat. The colour, clarity and carat are up to nature – the only influence we have on the value of a diamond is in cut. In its uncut form a ‘rough diamond’ is hardly recognisable as a diamond at all. Before you buy that special item of jewellery for yourself or a loved one it’s important you know the real value of what you are paying for.

The cut

The cut does not refer to the shape, be it a square, oval or round diamond you are buying – it refers to how many facets the diamond has. Regardless of their shape most diamonds are cut with 58 facets. The proportions are also very important when choosing the best cut – a shallow cut does not reflect light well but a deep cut will disperse too much light. A perfectly proportional diamond will reflect any light that hits it, making it shine brilliantly.

Colour

A colourless diamond is a valuable diamond. Diamonds are graded into letters according to their colour; D, E and F categories represent the most valuable and clear diamonds while categories M to Z are tinted in colour. Specific coloured diamonds like yellow and pink are graded according to the brightness or their colour, rather than lack thereof. Yellow, blue, pink and green diamonds develop in nature because of different chemical processes – the pink diamond is the most widely sought after of all the diamonds and thus is the most expensive because of the high demand for it.

Clarity

Minute particles of other elements can become trapped within a diamond during formation, affecting the clarity. Although these particles may not be visible to the naked eye they affect the reflection of light through the diamond. A diamond with little to no particles is classified as flawless and so is the most valuable. These particles can affect the surface texture of a diamond and most diamond jewellery will include some particles.

Carat

The carat measures the weight of the diamond with one carat being equal to 0.2 grams. The bigger the carat, the more valuable the diamond can be but the other factors still play an influence. Just because the diamond is ‘big’ with regards to its weight in carats it could still be imperfect and discoloured, thus lowering its overall value.

Tags: jewellery