Selecting a Diamond

When selecting a diamond, the following 4C's criteria is used: Nature dictates the characteristics of colour, clarity and carat whilst cut is directly influenced by humans.

Carat:
Carat is a standard unit of weight for diamonds. 1 carat = 0.2 grams and 100 points = 1 carat.

The price of diamonds does not increase linearly with weight. There are various weights above which there is a steep increase in value. The most notable transition is at 1 carat where the highest quality diamond will cost significantly more than an equivalent diamond quality weighing 0.95 carats.

Clarity:
Clarity relates to a diamond's relative freedom from inclusions and blemishes. These inclusions can comprise cracks, carbon spots, minerals and bubbles and originate when the diamond is forming in the earth. When light enters a diamond it is reflected and refracted out. More >