 |
Diamonds |
The quality and value of a diamond is made up of what is commonly referred to as the Four Cs - Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight, as follows:
Cut: The characteristics of Cut are made up of two elements as follows:
a). Shape of the stone(s):Round (rd.), Pear Shape (ps.), Marquise (mq.), Oval (ov.), Brilliant (br.), Emerald (em.), Princess (pr.), etc.
b). Proportion of the stone(s): This is the technical detail of the cut, expressed in numeric percentages, or angles describing the table, crown angle, depth, girdle size, pavilion and finish of a diamond. GIA (Gemologic Institute of America) classifications for Cut range from Class 1 (ideal cut) to Class 4 (poor cut).
Cut is often considered the most misunderstood variable of diamond appraising, yet it is the most important in determining beauty. Your Guaranty Jewelry Replacement representative will be happy to provide more detailed information on this topic upon request!
Clarity: Clarity grades are expressed as follows: FL Flawless, IF InternallyFlawless, VVS Very, Very Slight Inclusions, VS Very Slight Inclusions, SI (1 or 2) Slight Inclusions, and I (1, 2 or 3) Imperfect.
Using one of these symbols is "must" in an appraisal. Terms such as "fine" or "good" clarity are considered inaccurate and unacceptable.
Color: Diamonds are color-graded to scale adopted by the GIA GemologicInstitute of America) and AGS (American Gemologic Society). Bothuse the same grading system as follows: D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z. Using one of these symbols is a quot;must" in an appraisal. Terms such as "fine" or "high" color are considered inaccurate and unacceptable.
Carat Weight: Accurate weights expressed in points (1/100 ct. + .01 pt.) are preferred, ie: .50 ct., .75 ct., 1.0 ct., etc Less desirable are fraction designations (ie: ½or Ύ ct.). In pieces containing more than one stone, weight may often beshown as Total Carat Weight (TCW).
 |
|
|
