The birthstone of april is the infamous diamond, which makes now the perfect time to share all about diamonds. Diamonds are the most popular gemstone in fine jewelry. Most all women's jewelry boxes are equipt with diamond jewelry, such as stud earrings, diamond pendants, and diamond fashion rings. Here is some basic information pertaining to 'all things diamonds'.
The first thing you’ll want to know is if the diamond is mined or lab-grown. Check out one of our older blogs on the difference between the two.
Once you determine whether a diamond is mined or lab-grown, it goes into valuation. Diamonds are valued based on 'The 4 Cs'. The 4 Cs were developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a standard to compare diamond qualities worldwide. The 4 Cs are:
- Carat Weight – This is an actual weight measurement of a loose diamond on a scale, not a visual size. Carats are broken down into points, with 100 points to a carat. For example, 1.50 carats.
- Color – The normal color range goes from completely colorless at D to light yellow at Z. A diamond that is more yellow than a Z is outside the normal color range and qualifies as a fancy color diamond.
- Clarity – This is the absence or presence of inclusions within a diamond. Types of inclusions are feathers, included crystals, clouds, and pinpoints.
- Cut – Cut can refer to the shape of the diamond or the quality of the cut. Round diamonds are the most popular and expensive diamond shape.
In general, the larger, cleaner, and whiter a diamond is, the higher its value. That is why a 1-carat round brilliant diamond can range in cost from $1,000 all the way to $20,000.
Call or text us at 920-494-0002 to chat with our diamond experts!