Choosing a diamond

Colour -

It is the only stone that occurs in almost all colours but the highly priced and preferred diamond is colorless. Colorless stone inhibits brilliance and sparkles maximum. In this stone, light passes through one side to other easily and the reflection of light occurs to the fullest. Apart from the colorless gems, other chosen colours are blue and yellow. Few more fancy colours are brown, orange, pink and green. According to the Gemological Institute of America's colour scale, colorless diamonds are priced highest while fancy colours are valued least. However, many people treasure bright and intense colored stones too.

Cut -

This C is the most significant characteristic as worth and value of the stone is largely depended on it. The over all appearance and look gets enhanced with the efficient cut. Cut specifies the reflective qualities. In a well-cut diamond, light enters inside the stone from one facet and after covering all the sides, reflects back from the same facet to the eyes of the observer. This results in brilliant sparkle of light visible by the naked eyes of the spectator. When the stone is cut poorly then the light enters from one facet but instead of reflecting back it passes or leaks through the sides or the bottom of the stone.
The stone is graded on the basis of the classification of five types of cut. These are Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good and Fair & Poor cut. In ideal and premium cuts, light is reflected brilliantly creating the sparkle in the stone. Ideal cut is valued most while fair & poor cut is least. The reflection of light and monetary value reduces in the same order.

Clarity -

The formation process of this stunning stone is quite complicated thus, presence of inclusions in the stone is obvious. The clarity is determined on the basis of amount, size and visibility of the flaws. Flaws are of two type's viz. inclusions and blemish. Inclusions are present inside the stone like air bubbles, cracks, fractures or traces of other minerals. While blemish appear on the surface of the stone such as scratches, pits and chips. Almost all the stone consists of flaws that can be viewed with either by naked eyes or magnifying loupe. No stone would ever seize similar flaws. For instance in few stones flaws would be clearly visible while in few it would be almost negligible. With the increase in the number, size and visibility of the flaws the cost decreases. However, absolutely clean and clear stone are also found but are very rare in nature.
Carat weight - Stones with small carat weight are found more easily than with higher carat weight. Larger stones occur seldom in the natural state therefore for such stone, per carat weight the price is more than that for the smaller size stones. One carat weight is equal to 0.2 grams. Stones in all sizes and weights are available in the market. Anything could be selected in accordance with the size and depth of the pocket.

Diamonds Facts and Buying Guide

Diamond, the name is derived from a Greek word adamas, meaning unconquerable. It is considered as the 'King of Gems'. This is the reason why it is close to the heart of all the queens that is each and every woman on the universe. It symbolizes forever love and commitment among the partners. It is the stone for engagement and 75th wedding anniversary.
To make the purchase of a genuine Diamond it is essential to understand all the 4C's thoroughly as the 4C's viz. colour, cut, clarity and carat weight determines the quality of the stone. The grading system is also based on these four characteristics. Buyers need to know these facts. Thus, this article offers all the necessary information about this gorgeous stone and also acts as a buying guide. Apart from the four crucial Cs, it provides information on other characteristics as well like certificate, use, origin, precautions etc.

Diamonds May Not Be Forever

Rio Tinto plc (NYSE: RTP) owns a majority stake in a diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and apparently has no intention of selling that stake to Kinross Gold Corp. (NYSE:KGC), as rumors had it. That seems a bit odd given Rio’s efforts to raise capital. It’s hard to see what Rio thinks it is holding on to.Diamond prices have crashed just as badly as everything else. Jeweler Tiffany & Company (NYSE:TIF) reported fourth-quarter profits off by 75% and the company has predicted 2009 earnings below analysts’ expectations.
Reduced demand for diamonds has stopped work in the four diamond mines that provide about a third of Botswana’s GDP. India’s diamond cutting and polishing business, the largest in the world, is laying off people by the thousands. We’ve noted before that demand for gold and platinum in the jewelry business is mostly being met by scrap, not new supply.
Even Warren Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-A) owns three retail jewelers, took a beating on jewelry. Berkshire’s retail earnings were off 41% in 2008.
Back to Rio Tinto. If, in fact, Kinross was interested in the diamond mine, why is Rio holding back? It needs money now, not years from now when the market for diamonds revives.
This sounds like one of those times where the potential seller thinks the asset is worth much more than the market value. Can Rio really play hard-to-get these days?
Paul Ausick

choose the diamond that is right for you.

For many people, a diamond is the largest purchase of their life. With that consideration, Blue Nile recognizes the importance of understanding exactly what you are buying. This guide simplifies the four Cs — cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, as well as diamond shapes and certifications. After reading this guide, you will be better prepared to choose the diamond that is right for you.