Buying a diamond can be a new experience for some and we are here to help make it a little easier for you. We have tried to compile some simple facts about diamonds to help you start in your search for the perfect one. Don't hesitate to call with any questions.

The 4 C's Of Diamonds

There are many characteristics of a diamond. They are graded and categorized by the diamond industry. These are the same four "C's jewelers use when grading diamonds and the same ones you will use to insure you get the diamond that is right for you.

* Cut
* Clarity
* Color
* Carat weight



Cut:

The cut Cut may be the most important element in determining a diamond’s beauty and value. The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance and how it refracts the light. There are many popular shapes for diamonds. Each shape affects the overall look, fire and brilliance of the diamond. Each shape has different ranges of cutting proportions, the most popular shape is the round brilliant cut. There are many other cuts as we have shown below and whatever shape you decide on Deb's jewelry can help you with your purchase insuring your cut is dazzling.

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity is measured by the existence, or absence, of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions even those seen only under magnification with a jeweler’s loupe can alter the brilliance of the diamond and, thus, affect its value. Clarity levels begin with Flawless (FL & IF) and move down to Very Very Slight (VVS1 & 2), Very Slight (VS1 & 2), Slightly Included (SI1 & 2), and Included (I1, 2, & 3).

Color

With the exception of some fancy colored diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least color. The color scale for transparent diamonds runs from D-F (virtually colorless), G-J (near colorless), K-M (faint yellow), to Z (light yellow). Completely colorless diamonds are rare. Rare and beautiful colors result in diamonds that form with traces of other minerals, these "fancy" colors range from blue and brilliant yellow to red, brown, pale green, pink and violet. Because of their rarity, colored diamonds are highly desirable and may be quite valuable.

Carat Weight

The size of a diamond is measured by weight rather than by its dimensions. One carat, the traditional unit of measurement for diamonds, is equal to approximately 0.2 grams. You may also hear the weight of a diamond referred to in points. A point is equal to 1/100 of a carat; therefore, a 75-point diamond equals 0.75 carat. Diamonds of equal weight may appear slightly different in size, depending on their depth and proportions. Because they are quite rare, larger diamonds of gem quality are much more valuable.