There are four factors which determine the value of diamonds. Of them all, clarity, which indicates the number and size of flaws, is possibly the hardest to evaluate. In attempting to arrive at an accurate grading for this factor, a diamond clarity chart is an essential aid, even for the most experienced in the field.
There are two important types of flaws which determine value. These are inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are cracks or foreign material embedded in the stone and blemishes are on the surface. Blemishes are more serious, as they are more likely to weaken a stone and make it likely to split at that point.
A very rare grading for natural stones is flawless, which means there are no inclusions or blemishes. Unscrupulous jewelers sometimes cut stones to remove flaws, which can result in a smaller, very badly cut, jewel. This can actually result in a lower value for the stone, although flawless is the highest grade in this category.
Flaws are proof that these stones have been mined, and not synthesized, as flawless natural diamonds are seldom found. Only if there are too many flaws or they affect the strength of the cut stone should the stone be rejected. In fact, flaws act as useful identification marks, like fingerprints.
When evaluating a stone, it is inspected under 10-power magnification. This makes it easy to see the flaws and it becomes much easier to rank it according to the relevant chart. Without artificial aid it is impossible to see everything affecting the structure.
Anyone wishing to purchase investment diamonds or jewelry should become familiar with the various factors. Using a diamond clarity chart highlights the advantages of the various grades. While may stone may appear attractive, only the higher grades are likely to retain or even increase in value.
There are two important types of flaws which determine value. These are inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are cracks or foreign material embedded in the stone and blemishes are on the surface. Blemishes are more serious, as they are more likely to weaken a stone and make it likely to split at that point.
A very rare grading for natural stones is flawless, which means there are no inclusions or blemishes. Unscrupulous jewelers sometimes cut stones to remove flaws, which can result in a smaller, very badly cut, jewel. This can actually result in a lower value for the stone, although flawless is the highest grade in this category.
Flaws are proof that these stones have been mined, and not synthesized, as flawless natural diamonds are seldom found. Only if there are too many flaws or they affect the strength of the cut stone should the stone be rejected. In fact, flaws act as useful identification marks, like fingerprints.
When evaluating a stone, it is inspected under 10-power magnification. This makes it easy to see the flaws and it becomes much easier to rank it according to the relevant chart. Without artificial aid it is impossible to see everything affecting the structure.
Anyone wishing to purchase investment diamonds or jewelry should become familiar with the various factors. Using a diamond clarity chart highlights the advantages of the various grades. While may stone may appear attractive, only the higher grades are likely to retain or even increase in value.
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To view a diamond clarity chart , and to see additional diamond chart educational material, simply visit Investment Diamond Exchange (IDX).
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