Color
The value of a diamond can be significantly impacted by tiny differences in color. Only color can cause two diamonds with the same clarity, weight, and cut to have different values. The most subtle color variation can have a significant impact on value.
There are numerous colors for diamonds. Colorless diamonds to pale yellow and brown diamonds are all included in the usual color spectrum. Colorless diamonds are the most valuable within that spectrum since they are the rarest. They establish the benchmark for other diamonds in the typical color range in terms of grading and cost.
A visible light known as fluorescence is released by many diamonds in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV radiation is ubiquitous even though it is invisible to the human eye. It is found in sunlight. It also comes from fluorescent lights. About 35% of gem diamonds exhibit fluorescence when the correct circumstances are met.
The most prevalent fluorescence hue in diamonds of gem quality is blue. Fluorescence can occasionally be white, yellow, orange, or a variety of other hues.
In sunlight, a bright yellow diamond may appear nearly colorless due to strong blue fluorescence. Since blue and yellow are opposites that tend to cancel each other out, yellow is hidden by blue fluorescence. An excessive amount of fluorescence can cause the stone to appear blurry or “oily,” which might reduce the value of the diamond.
Clarity
Diamonds have imperfections on their surface known as blemishes and internal characteristics known as inclusions. They are collectively referred to as clarity attributes. The relative lack of inclusions and flaws is known as clarity.
Blemishes on a diamond’s surface include, among other things, nicks and scratches. Most inclusions are found inside, while some may fracture the stone’s outside.
Clarity’s impact on value is closely tied to the idea of rarity, just like the other 4Cs. The highest rating in the GIA Clarity Grading System is flawless. Under 10-power (10X) magnification, a trained and experienced grader can see no obvious flaws or imperfections in diamonds graded flawless.
The GIA clarity grading system consists of 11 ratings. They fall into the following categories: Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very, Very Slightly Included, Two Slightly Included, and Three Included.
A clarity characteristic’s impact on the clarity grade depends on its type, size, number, position, and color or relief.
Cut
A brilliantly crafted diamond shines, each facet showcasing the artistry and attention to detail of the artisan. Every angle and every facet of a diamond that interacts with light influences how much light is reflected back to the eye. This explains why it appears face-up.
Three optical effects give a magnificent diamond its appearance: brilliance, which is the reflection of white light; fire, which is the flashing of color; and scintillation, which is the alternating patches of light and dark. The order, size, and contrast of the brilliant and dark regions that arise from the internal and external reflections of a diamond are known as its pattern.
To give the design a clear, sharp appearance, there must be sufficient contrast between the bright and dark sections.
The shape of a fashioned diamond can also be described by the term “cut.” Fancy cuts are shapes other than the typical round brilliant. Based on their shapes, fancy shapes also have names of their own. The marquise, princess, pear, oval, heart, and emerald cut are the most well-known shapes.
Carat Weight
The unit of measurement for diamond weights is metric carats, or “ct.” Just over seven thousandths (0.007) of an ounce, or two tenths (0.2) of a gram, is equivalent to one metric carat. Nearly 142 carats are included in one ounce. About a carat is the weight of a tiny paper clip.
Diamonds are weighed to the nearest hundredth, or point, after being rounded to the nearest thousandth (0.001) of a carat. Depending on the grade of the diamond, fractions of a carat could result in price variations of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The idea is actually rather straightforward: big diamonds are more rare than little ones. Something has greater value the scarcer it is. Thus, a larger stone has a higher overall cost. Also, the price per carat is higher.
Conclusion
4Cs concept is a unique and well-known metric enabling to estimate the value of a diamond. Knowing 4Cs, you can understand approximately how much a diamond can be valued and what its real value is.
