Diamonds

What is a Diamond?

Chemically speaking, a diamond is the simplest of all gemstones. It is plain, crystallized carbon--the same substance, chemically, as the soot left on the inside of a glass globe after the burning of a candle; it is the same substance used in "lead" pencils.

The diamond differs from these in its crystal form, which gives it the desirable properties that have made it so highly prized--its hardness, which gives it unsurpassed wearability; its brilliance; and its fire.

The Four Factors

That Determine Diamond Value

Diamond quality and value are determined by four factors, which are called the "four Cs". They are often as follows:

Color (body color or absence of color)

Clarity (degree of flawlessness)

Cutting and proportioning (often referred to as the make)

Carat weight (which effects the size)

In terms of determine beauty, however, we would rank them in a different order:

1. Cutting and proportion

2. Color

3. Clarity

4. Carat weight