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 The
value of a diamond is based largely on rarity and desirability.
On this basis, color, clarity and cutting quality, together
with carat weight, comprise the so-called four C's that measure
a diamonds value. These factors can be judged more accurately
and readily in loose stones than those that have been mounted.
Since even the smallest diamonds are quite valuable, it is
not realistic to weigh diamonds by ounces or pounds. Instead
they are weighed by the carat- a very small unit of weight
equivalent to 1/5 of a gram. It would take 142 one carat diamonds
to equal one ounce. At this rate fine quality one carat diamonds
would cost $1,000,000.00 an ounce.
One of the major judging points for diamonds. It refers to
the amount of body color that permeates the stone and does
not refer to the sparkling display of rainbow colors generally
seen in a diamond. The body of the stone should be completely
colorless, but the majority of diamonds sold have a slight
yellowish cast which can be which can be easily detected when
the un-mounted is dropped into a folded white paper and examined
under fluorescent light. A slight amount of yellow in a stone
can reduce its value dramatically. Natural fancy color diamonds
that are blue, lilac, pink or light mint green are rare and
costly. They are seldom seen even by jewelers and are almost
never offered for sale to the general public.
Most diamonds have tiny imperfections or inclusions. The smaller
and fewer these blemishes, the greater the value of a particular
diamond. The type of imperfection and its location in the
stone is also considered.
The skill of the diamond cutter transforms a rough diamond
into a polished gem. The closer a diamond is cut to ideal
angles and proportions the more brilliance and fire in the
finished diamond. Brilliance is the ability to concentrate
white light and return it to the viewer. Fire is the ability
to break light into dazzling colors. The most popular cut
is the round or brilliant. Other cuts include the princess,
emerald, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, heart and trillion.
The precision of the cutting adds considerably to the value
of the diamond.
A one carat diamond can now range in price
from $1,000 to $18,000 depending on its color, clarity, and
cut quality.
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