Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It is a big purchase and often one that has high emotional content. Simply knowing the facts before you start can ease the pressure. It also helps for the vendors to know you have some idea of what you are looking at.
There are a few things to know. Lets start with some diamond shapes to consider when you are doing your shopping: oval, pear-shaped, round, emerald, heart-shaped and marquise. Thew most important thing, however, is the quality and to determine quality you need to understand the 4 C's, which are as follows:
Carat weight: The weight or size of a diamond is measured in carats. A single carat is made up of one hundred segments called "points." One hundred and fifty points equals one and one half carats.
Clarity: This expresses how perfect the diamond is by identifying the flaws or inclusions. Where the inclusions are, how big they are, and their type determines the value of the stone. Inclusions are shown as follows:
FL = Flawless, IF = Internally Flawless - minor surface blemishes,
VVS1-VVS2 = Very, Very Small inclusions,
VS1-VS2 = Very Small Inclusions,
SI1-SI2 = Small Inclusions,
I1-I2-I3 = Imperfect - inclusions visible to the eye.
Slight inclusions; do not reduce the beauty of the stone although they do reduce the value.
Color: Colorless diamonds are extremely rare in nature. Color definitely helps determine the value of a stone. An unpractised eye does not easily see different gradations from high white to the start of the yellows. Bright-colored diamonds are a bit different. Some examples are blue, amber, red, etc. Bright colored diamonds in larger sizes can command very high prices indeed. Collectors worldwide are eager to acquire them.
Cut: Precise formulae are to determine the appropriate cut for a diamond. A typical diamonds is cut with 58 facets. The stone's light-reflecting properties and its light dispersion are critical measurements in determining the stones quality and value.
These are just some of the things to look out for. Every diamond also has a identifying serial number which can be seen under a microscope and it never hurts to have a look for yourself. In the end the purchase of a diamond is a very personal thing so remember to pick one you actually like.
Ron Hughes is CEO of Adapt Information Technology, one of the longest standing Internet businesses in the world. He is also a public and seminar speaker and frequent contributor of articles on business subjects. Ron welcomes your comments on ron@wowgroups.com.
Visit ron@wowgroups.com for information on how to have your own secure, personal office on the Internet. Also, please visit ron@wowgroups.com for everything you need to know about Diamond Hunting.
affordable house cleaning Wilmette ..As a personal and professional development coach, I have listened... Read More
From purchasing the garter to choosing the photographer, brides (and... Read More
When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually... Read More
Wedding Invitations should be ordered when you have all the... Read More
At one time or another, most of us have had... Read More
Many people believe that weddings have to be costly. But... Read More
Many of the Jewish wedding traditions are derived from ancient... Read More
In the last article, we concluded by saying that keeping... Read More
The groom traditionally plans the honeymoon. However, most brides prefer... Read More
One of my favorite memories from last year was not... Read More
My daughter and fianc? have finally set the "big day"... Read More
It's really not difficult to ruin what could have been... Read More
Let's face it retirement is a time of great transition... Read More
One way to increase your chances of enjoying a happy... Read More
The wedding shower is a traditional party of the marriage... Read More
Butterfly Releases offer the viewer the chance to see beauty... Read More
Vital tips on making your own wedding invitations - by... Read More
This season, a Caribbean honeymoon vacation will give you unlimited... Read More
Everybody who has decided to marry wants their day to... Read More
Her dreams of marriage and collected marriage values disintegrate when... Read More
I say always register for gifts! You see, people tend... Read More
For better or worse, in people's minds weddings and wedding... Read More
There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More
Inviting your possible guests on your wedding day can be... Read More
If you are in the process of design a wedding... Read More
scheduled maid service Park Ridge ..The invitation is the first impression of the type of... Read More
You've found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall,... Read More
When planning your wedding, what type of entertainment are you... Read More
Computer printed labels are a time-saver, but they make the... Read More
Thinking about remarrying? Consider these reasons why others have chosen... Read More
So you've been in that perfect relationship for some time... Read More
Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More
Have you ever wondered why your marriage isn't happier? If... Read More
The most important day of your life is drawing near... Read More
Healthy marriages require time, attention, energy, and vigilance. It's not... Read More
The bridesmaid gift is essential to the planning of a... Read More
Beth and Tom were happily married for over 25 years... Read More
How many times has your anniversary come around and you... Read More
The Arizona Inn is just the place that you are... Read More
John's cousin, Grace, is getting married in Liverpool, UK and... Read More
When it comes to marriage, there are things that you... Read More
It is the maid of honor's duty to organize the... Read More
Want to manage your wedding guests with style and ease?... Read More
To keep romance alive and nurture the intimacy in your... Read More
Most visitors to Hawaii would agree that Maui is the... Read More
Often when you are looking for wedding vendors who suit... Read More
Planning a wedding is hard enough without having to think... Read More
White is traditionally a symbol of purity and as it... Read More
A wedding planned in the spirit of nature provides the... Read More
Prescription for a happy marriage: one cup of tea or... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |