Home » Sparkles: Diamond Basics
Categories

Sparkles: Diamond Basics

Diamond Basics

A diamond’s value is determined by the 4Cs: colour, cut, clarity and carat weight.

CUT

A diamond’s cut refers to its proportions, symmetry or finish. Cut matters since a well-cut diamond reflects maximum light, giving it better sparkle. Shallow-cut and deep-cut diamonds let the light escape at the sides or at the bottom, thereby reducing its sparkle.

COLOUR

  1. White Diamonds - are the most common types, sold in all assortments of shapes and sizes. Colourless or whitest diamonds are considered the most valuable of the lot.
     
  2. Yellow Diamonds – come in a broad range of hue, ranging from light to a deep canary yellow.
     
  3. Blue Diamonds – these coloured diamonds can be as blue as the sky or a sturdier, steely colour than sapphire.
     
  4. Champagne Diamonds – these are naturally coloured diamonds that range from light straw to rich cognac.
     
  5. Pink Diamond – is the world’s rarest and most valuable diamond. Pink diamonds from India, Brazil and Africa are usually light in colour.

CLARITY

Nearly all of diamonds have miniscule specks called inclusions. A diamond’s clarity is determined by its inclusions. The fewer the inclusions, the more light can pass through the diamond.

CARAT

A diamond’s weight is measured in carats. One carat is equal to 0.2 grammes. The higher the carat weight, the more expensive the diamond is. However, you have to note that carat weight is not the same as size.