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Choosing the Perfect Diamond
There are four main factors which determine a diamonds value; Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight (often referred to as the four C's).
In addition there are two more C's which we believe are important to consider when purchasing a diamond; Confidence (in the product), and Certificate (gemmological report).
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Cut
Cut is the most important and dramatic of the factors defining a diamond's value and refers to the angles and proportions the diamond cutter has employed in fashioning the facets which turn a dull rough diamond into a sparkling, bright polished gem. The better the cut, the more the diamond appears to sparkle and scintillate.
All ideal cut diamonds – neither too deep, nor too shallow - are cut within infinitely precise parameters which means they are supremely accurately proportioned diamonds.
As such, light entering an ideal cut diamond from any direction reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top, thereby creating maximum brilliance and brightness.
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Colour
Colour refers to the degree to which a diamond appears colourless. Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow).
Diamonds which have tinges of yellow are more common than colourless diamonds and as such are less valuable than colourless diamonds. Completely colourless diamonds are graded "D" and are treasured for their rarity. As such they are extremely valuable. The Australian market has all colours available, however the most common and best value are from F to G.
Jewels of the Kimberley recommend diamonds from the top four colour grades D, E, F & G for their jewellery.
Fancy coloured diamonds are an exception and are also much sought after due to their extreme rarity – particularly yellows, pinks and blues. Their quality is judged by the intensity of their hue, and unlike white diamonds, the more colour the rarer.
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Carat
The weight of a diamond is expressed in a unit of measure called Carats. The term carat originated in a natural unit of weight; the seeds of the Carob tree. Diamonds were traditionally weighed against these seeds until the system was standardised and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams. One carat is divided into 100 points. This means that half a carat is described as 50 points or 0.50 carats.
Larger diamonds are found much less frequently in nature. Thus, for example, a one carat diamond will cost more than twice that of a 0.50 carat diamond (assuming colour, clarity and cut remain constant).
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Clarity
Almost all diamonds contain minute pieces of non crystallised carbon. These identifying features are called inclusions.
The size, nature, location, and amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity and subsequently affect its value. A diamond's unique inclusions were bestowed by nature when the diamond was formed millions of years ago deep beneath the earth's surface.
The fewer the amount of inclusions in a diamond the rarer and consequently the more valuable the diamond is. Diamonds are available in a range of clarity from Flawless (FL) to flaws being visible to the naked eye (I1-3)
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Confidence
Like the passion of true love, diamonds are everlasting. And so it is very important to ensure that when purchasing a diamond you receive the kind of everlasting value which can only arise from having the utmost of confidence in the product you have purchased.
Jewels of the Kimberly source their diamonds with one underlying principle in mind; Confidence through quality and superiority of product.
We provide this confidence and this is evidenced in each diamond’s beauty and brightness visible to you simply by looking at our diamonds in comparison to any other diamond.
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Certificate
Another important factor defining the value of a diamond is that each diamond has already been sent to the worlds most internationally recognised and respected independent gemmological trade laboratory, for identification and grading.
Accordingly, for your assurance most diamonds are sold together with their unique GIA (Gemmological Institute of America), diamond grading and identification report (certificate).
Visit the GIA’s official website for more information.