CARAT - CLARITY - COLOUR - CUT
Together the 4 C's provide the world accepted way to judge the value of a diamond.
CARAT
Diamonds are measured by weight, the term used to describe this weight is carat and it's
abbreviated to ct.
COLOUR
We automatically think all diamonds are colourless or clear. In fact, most diamonds have a trace of yellow or brown in them, diamonds come in all colours, including black. It is this lack of colour that makes diamonds the most valuable and sought after.
The finest diamond colour is called a “D” colour, which means these diamonds are completely colourless or pure white. The further down the scale of colours, this pure whiteness decreases and more traces of colour appear. Salera's stock a large range of different coloured diamonds, ranging from D to TLB (Brown).
CLARITY
Clarity refers to the amount (or lack of) natural features a diamond possesses. These are called inclusions. Inclusions are generally caused whilst the diamond is forming due to extreme heat or pressure, they can be as simple as a crystal trapped within a diamond or carbon spots etc. Except for in extreme cases, inclusions will not weaken a diamond in any way and they do not change over time, an inclusion will always be the same, they will not grow larger or shrink.
Clarity is graded in the following way:
IF Internally Flawless
Diamonds have no inclusions or flaws after being viewed through a microscope.
VVS1 Very Very Slight Inclusions 1
The diamonds may have tiny inclusions that can only be viewed under a 10X or higher-powered magnification and can be very difficult to see.
VVS2 Very Very Slight Inclusions 2
The inclusions may be exactly the same as the ones found in stones graded VVS1 but they might be more centralised within the stone or there may be a few more of them.
VS1 Very Slight Inclusions 1
Diamonds graded as VS1 will have very tiny inclusions that are reasonably difficult to see under 10X magnification.
VS2 Very Slight Inclusions 2
Diamonds graded VS2 are the same as above but may have a slightly larger inclusion or it may be more central in the stone as compared with a diamond graded as VS1.
SI1 Slight Inclusions 1
Diamond graded as SI1 have some inclusions that cannot be seen with the naked eye but once seen through 10X magnification they are easily spotted.
SI2 Slight Inclusions 2
Diamond graded as SI2 have slightly larger or more predominant inclusions in them than those graded as SI1, however they are still not visible with the naked eye.
P1 Pique 1
Diamonds graded as P1 clarity will have larger inclusions in them that can be seen with the naked eye.
CUT
The cut of a diamond must not be confused with its shape. When we a talking about the quality of a cut in a stone, we are referring to the proportions of the diamond.
IT IS THE CUT, MORE THAN ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC THAT GIVES A DIAMOND ITS SPARKLE.
A well proportioned stone will dramatically influence the amount of fire (fire is the rainbow flashes of light reflected within the stone) as well as its brilliance (its brightness). A poorly cut diamond can look dull, lifeless or too small for its carat weight. A well cut diamond attracts a slightly higher price. A well cut diamond should allow light to enter the stone and reflect from one facet to the other and then disperse through the top of the stone.
SHAPE
Not to be confused with the cut of a diamond, shape is purely a personal choice. Although traditionally the round brilliant cut was the most popular and still is, people are beginning to curb their interests into different shaped diamonds. There is no such thing as one shape being better than another, it¹s just a matter of what shape is more appealing to the Individuals taste.
FANCY COLOUR DIAMONDS
Salera¹s Jewellers stock an extensive range of natural coloured diamonds. Natural Pink, Natural Yellow, Champagne and Cognac diamonds are beautifully showcased in elegant 18ct gold pieces of jewellery.
All items are locally handcrafted in your chosen design or let us design a unique piece to your specifications.