The Four Cs About Diamonds

Since 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria Mary of Burgundy a diamond engagement ring diamond is the most popular piece of jewelry for brides-about-to-be.

Two and three-stone diamond engagement rings were once favored by Irish brides. Today, things have changed: Irish women are more likely now only a beautiful stone, choose either mounted in a yellow gold or white gold band. This shift in the fashion reflects a similar trend that has taken place over a number of years throughout the world. One that was initiated by the famous American store, Tiffany, in 1870

Diamonds are an investment, and must be purchased with caution. A good jeweler will not only show different shapes, colors and options, but also explain the value of each stone. Most people think that the price depends on the size, but is actually a diamond quality and cost is determined by the cut, clarity, color and carat. This system of classification is known in the jewelry industry as the four Cs.

When buying a diamond, make sure that the stone has been certified by an independent gem laboratory. Two laboratories, the European Gemology Laboratory and the Gemological Institute of America is the highest in the world. The certification should be given the time of purchase, and diamond properties must describe in detail.

Cut: Often confused with the shape of a diamond, "cut" actually refers to the many shallow sloping stone surfaces (also called facets), can enter the light into the diamond. The better the cut, the more diamond displays.

Clarity: All diamonds contain errors (also known as inclusions, birthmarks or dirt), but the fewer there are, the better. Lack of distracting light through a diamond, making it appear less bright. Less than 1% of all diamonds are flawless. The system of classification is a stone:

    IF internally flawless (it is extremely difficult to find deposits or inclusions, even under magnification);
    Heating for the very, very few impurities;
    VS1 for very few impurities;
    SI1 for slightly included (diamond should still look perfect to the naked eye), and;
    To included (it's relatively easy to find fault with the naked eye).

Color: Most diamonds have some color, but the better the stone, the less obvious color. The color is determined on a sliding scale. D to F is almost perfect or colorless, G to J are almost colorless, and increases from K to Z with the color level.

Carat: The measured height and weight of a diamond in carats. One carat equals 1/5 of a gram, and thus as of 100 "train". Good quality stones over one carat are rare.