|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
This Refers to the
presence of inclusions
in a diamond.
Every diamond is unique.
Nature ensures that each
diamond is as individual
as the person who wears
it. Naturally-occurring
features—know as
inclusions—provide a
special fingerprint
within the stone.
Inclusions are natural
identifying
characteristics such as
minerals or fractures,
appearing while diamonds
are formed in the earth.
They may look like tiny
crystals, clouds or
feathers.
To view inclusions,
jeweller use a
magnifying loupe. This
tool allows jewellers to
see a diamond at 10x its
actual size so that
inclusions are easier to
see. The position of
inclusions can affect
the value of a diamond.
There are very few
flawless diamonds found
in nature, thus these
diamonds are much more
valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on
a scale of perfection,
known as clarity, which
was established by the
Gemological Institute of
America (GIA). The
clarity scale, ranging
from F (Flawless) to
Included (I), is based
on the visibility of
inclusions at a
magnification of 10x.
Some inclusions can be
hidden by a mounting,
thus having little
effect on the beauty of
a diamond. An inclusion
in the middle or top of
a diamond could impact
the dispersion of light,
sometimes making the
diamond less brilliant.
The greater a diamond's
clarity, the more
brilliant, valuable and
rare it is—and the
higher it is on the
Diamond Quality Pyramid.
|
|
 |
|
This Refers to
the degree to which
a diamond is colourless.
Diamonds are found
in almost every
colour of the
rainbow, but white-coloured
diamonds remain most
popular.
Diamonds are graded
on a colour scale
established by the
Gemological
Institute of America
(GIA) which ranges
from D (colourless)
to Z. Warmer coloured
diamonds (K–Z) are
particularly
desirable when set
in yellow gold. Icy
winter whites (D–J)
look stunning set in
white gold or
platinum.
Colour differences
are very subtle and
it is very difficult
to see the
difference between,
say, an E and an F.
Therefore, colours
are graded under
controlled lighting
conditions and are
compared to a master
set for accuracy.
Truly colourless
stones, graded D,
treasured for their
rarity, are highest
of the Diamond
Quality. Colour,
however, ultimately
comes down to
personal taste. Ask
a jeweller to show
you a variety of
colour grades next
to one another to
help you determine
your colour
preference.
Nature has also
created diamonds in
intense shades of
blue, green, yellow,
orange, pink or –
rarest of all – red.
These diamonds are
called ‘coloured
fancies’ and are
extremely rare and
highly treasured.
|
 |
|
|
|
) 
