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Two diamonds may at first glance look alike,
but the truth is that they are very different. Although they may
be of equal size, they may have very unequal values. There are
four characteristics to understand that will help you when
buying a diamond. They are known as the four C’s – Cut, Colour,
Clarity, and Carat Weight. The combination of these four factors
determines the value of a diamond
CUT: The quality of the cut determines a
diamond brilliance. It is the skill of the cutter that unlocks
the natural beauty of a diamond, revealing all of its hidden
fire and brilliance. Most diamonds are cut with a full 58 facets
and it is important that these are cut to precise angles. A
diamond that is cut well will reflect light from one facet to
another and then back out trough the top of the diamond. Only a
well-cut diamond will really sparkle. Some of the more popular
cuts are the Brilliant cut, the Marquise cut, the Oval cut, the
Princess cut, the Pear cut, and the Heart cut amongst others.
COLOUR: Most diamonds seen alone appear white,
but most have a hint of colour, mainly yellow. Diamonds with no
trace of colour at all are extremely rare and the closer they
are to no colour, the more rare and valuable they will be. Also
rare are diamonds with a strong pure colour, they are called
“fancies” and are very valuable. The Argyle Mine in Australia,
which is the world’s biggest diamond mine, produces the rare
pink diamonds as well as beautiful cognac and champagne coloured
diamonds.
CLARITY: Diamonds were formed millions of years
ago, deep within the earth, under enormous heat and pressure.
Consequently, most diamonds contain tiny cracks, known as
inclusions, which make each stone unique. The inclusions do not
necessarily weaken the stone and when they do not interfere with
the passage of light, they do not affect its beauty. The fewer
and smaller the inclusions, the more valuable a diamond will be.
CARAT WEIGHT: The weight of a diamond is the
simplest of its characteristics to measure and from the earliest
times, it was used to calculate the value of a diamond. Diamond
weight is measured in carats, and each carat is divided into 100
points.
SETTING: The setting of any jewellery is what
gives it its style. It is one of the main factors people
consider when deciding which item to purchase. The most common
settings and styles is the Claw set, the Rubbed in setting, the
Grain set, the Illusion set, the Channel set, the Star set, and
the Bezel set.
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©
2008 Alexander Jewellers , Shop 28, Westfield Shoppingtown,
North Rocks NSW 2151, 02 9873 1802
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