Taking the time to read these few simple tips will help you understand how to choose the right diamond. Diamonds are graded and priced according to carat, color, clarity, and cut. The term carat refers to diamond weight and is most often shown in decimal form. For example, .33 is a 1/3 carat. The abbreviation of “cttw” stands for carat total weight. A piece of jewelry can have multiple small diamonds which can add up to a total weight. A pair of solitaire earrings are often sold in a total weight, so a pair of .25ct each solitaire earrings has a total weight of .50cttw. It is wise to purchase diamonds that come with a certificate showing the 4 C’s: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.

Step 1: Know the color scale.

Diamonds range in color from colorless to yellowish brown and are graded beginning with D and ending with Z. Grades of D, E, & F are colorless with D being the very best. Grades of G, H, I, & J are near colorless and are often the choice for small “melee” diamonds under 1/3 carat size in fine jewelry stores. Grades of K, L, & M have a slightly yellow tint but appear to be white when set in yellow gold. However, the yellow tint is noticeable when set in white gold. From K down to Z, the yellow tint progresses and value decreases. An exception to this is the latter grades near the end of the alphabet, commonly referred to as “fancy colored diamonds”. The value of fancy colored diamonds is higher than those in the middle color range. In addition, it is customary for stones smaller than 3/8 carat to be graded in a range, for example, your jeweler may tell you that a specific diamond is graded as GHI.

Step 2: Know the clarity ranges

A diamond’s clarity refers to the presence of identifiable blemishes on the stone or inclusions within the stone under a 10x loupe magnification. It takes an incredible amount of pressure within the earth to create a diamond; therefore, most diamonds have flaws because natural diamonds are not grown in a lab. The grading scale definitions are as follows.

– F =Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.
– IF =Internally Flawless: No internal flaws, but some surface flaw. Very rare.
– VVS1-VVS2 =Very Very Slightly Included: Minute inclusions very difficult to detect by gemologist.
– VS1-VS2 =Very Slightly Included: Minute inclusions difficult to detect by gemologist.
– SI1-SI2 =Slightly Included: Minute inclusions easily detected under a 10x loupe.
– I1-I2-I3 =Included: Inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Step 3: Know the type of cut

Diamonds are cut in many shapes and sizes. The facets cut on the diamond act as mirrors and reflect light, creating a sparkle. An ideal cut diamond is more valuable because its facets are cut on the girdle at a perfect 41 degree angle which creates the most brilliance, or “fire”. Often, an ideal cut is not achievable because large sections would have to be cut resulting in a drastically reduced carat weight. Recognizing the shape you want and the amount of sparkle it produces will help you choose the right diamond for you or your loved one.

Author Bio: Joe Habbit has 18 years of hands-on experience working at one of the largest jewelry manufacturing companies in the United States and is currently an article contributor for a Fine Jewelry website that sells St Christopher Medals and St Michael Medals.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Saint Michael, Saint Christopher, Religious Medal, Christian, Religious, Catholic, Faith