LETS TALK DIAMONDS
If you're interested in Diamonds, then I'm certain you've met the four C's, but if you haven't, allow me to introducing you to them or perhaps just refresh your memory if you've forgotten. An important characteristics to consider when buying a diamond is Carat, though Colour is the more important characteristic when it comes to value. Carat and Colour is then closely followed by Clarity. Cut / shape and are the two least important characteristics yet plays a huge role in the elegance and style of the jewelry piece it adorns. Having said that, in reality these are the four term that most people find familiar or are familiar with, each of which are very carefully considered when grading a Diamond. However, there is a fifth C, which is most often neglected, and that is certification.1) Carat - weight of the Diamond
2) Color - Starting at D (white) and and extending to Z (yellow)
3) Clarity - Internally flawless to flawed
4) Cut / Shape - (RBC-round brilliant cut, pear shape, etc.)
5) Certification - the proposed / insurance replacement value
Certification is probably the most neglected C of the 5 C's, event though certification by an accredited establishment like the GIA, AGS, IGI, EGL, etc, gives your diamond enormous credibility. Credibility attributed by "Diamond experts" about the physical physical features of the diamond. Diamonds inherently have internal features which are known as inclusions. They are in essence black pinpoint inclusion (imperfections) unique to each Diamond. Diamonds also have surface irregularities, known as blemishes which include scratches and nicks on its surface. In Jewelry circles they are referred to as clarity characteristics. Collectively, it is these characteristics that gives Diamonds their real character.
Diamonds without inclusions and or blemishes are somewhat rare, except that most of their characteristics / imperfections can only be seen with a jewelers lupe or under magnification. Clarity is the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes. Diamonds without inclusions and blemishes are called internally flawless, fetch the highest prices, are sought after and really expensive because they are rare. This is what makes flawless Diamonds a girls best friend. All women want to find love but they also don't want love to be broke. They also want a stone that is hard wearing.
The hardness exhibited by Diamond makes it the ideal gemstone because it maintains its polish extremely well. Since it can only be scratched by other Diamonds, it is well-suited to daily wear due to its resistance to scratching. This is the major contributing factor to its popularity as the preferred gem for engagement and wedding rings, allowing it to be worn every day.
BEYOND THE 4 C's
Diamonds certified using the AGS (American Gem Society) Scale, are written in a preferred order, the cut Cut grade is always first, followed by the Diamond Color grade, then by its Clarity grade and lastly its Carat grade. If the finest Diamond Cut is also Colorless, Flawless, and weighs one carat, it would be written as: 0/0/0–1.000 carat. By the American Gem Society Diamond Grading Standards, a Diamond of this quality would be known as Triple Zero or Triple 000 or AGS 000.GIA grade their diamonds as triple excellent, implying they are the most brilliant and the best-cut diamonds which as commonly known as a triple excellent ratings or 3ex. A diamond with a 3ex ratings in a GIA lab report doesn’t mean that it has the best possible optical performance or is the best looking diamond. It does guarantee that it's not an "ugly diamond" because diamonds are tested for fire, brilliance and scintillation during their grading process.
GIA Triple Excellent quality and AGS 000 quality doesn't necessarily mean they have consensus on gemstones, no, no, no, their certifications are often conflicting especially with regards to heat treated and radiated diamonds and other precious gemstones. I know of a case when heat treated stone was graded as a sapphire by one and as a ruby by the other. But their say so does
Diamond is the April gemstone and as birthstones go, Diamond is deemed as the “King of all Birthstones,” and therefore makes the ideal choice for a gift to loved one born in April.
