DIAMOND FACTS
Diamond is an extremely hard, highly refractive crystalline form of carbon that is usually colorless and is used as a gemstone and in abrasives, cutting tools, and other applications. Approximately $8.5 billion worth of diamonds a year come from African countries. The best guide ever published by the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) tells about diamond grading system - the most recognized system of evaluating a diamonds quality and value. Each grade describes a different aspect of the diamond and it is only the sum total of all these characteristics that will determine if the diamond is a true gem or not. Perhaps most of the customers already know that diamonds are characterized by four C’s cut, clarity, carat, color and finally the shape. Briefly, these are: CARAT means weight (1 carat = 1/5 of a gram). A diamond weight is a very important factor to its cost, even if the only difference between the two diamonds is .01 carat. Color grading typically begins with "D" to avoid confusion.D grade diamonds are by fare the finest and brightest colorless stones.
G-H are very white and bright face-up, near colorless and are less expensive.
When set and mounted in jewelry, difference between these and the higher color grades becomes difficult.
I-J are not quite as bright or have very slight hardly noticeable tint.
K-L have a slight tint even the average person can possibly notice.
M or Lower the color will be noticed. Clarity is simply how much "stuff" is inside the diamond crystal. The lesser they are more expensive they go. Most of the diamonds mined have inclusions that are visible to the naked eyes. This scale ranges from FL to I-3. The Cut is the most important characteristic of any piece of diamond. This factor determines how much light that enters the diamond from above and then how much light will be reflected and refracted back out of the gem to the eye of the holder. If the cut has been poorly done, even the highest quality grade diamond will look valueless. There are some more facts about CE and HTHP Diamonds sold in the market. Clarity Enhanced (CE) Diamonds are totally natural Diamonds that have been treated with a New Clarity Enhancement Process. This new revolutionary process optically eliminates "feathers" (inclusions), that are naturally occurring imperfections found in most diamonds. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Diamonds are also totally natural Diamonds that have been treated with a complex process that involves heating the stone while it's under pressure until the desired alteration of color and or clarity is evident. But not all diamonds can be treated this way.
