What to look for in Diamonds

In geology, a diamond is a mineral made up of simple carbon atoms that form into a crystal lattice that makes it the ultimate gemstone.

Formed inside the earth for thousands and millions of years, it is treated to a combination of low temperature and high pressure and pushed to the surface by the earth's volcanic activity.

It is a precious gem that has a few weakness and many strengths, chief of which are its hardness and durability. It also has a brilliance and beauty that has captured the hearts and fascination of mankind throughout history.

There are different kinds of diamonds all over the world, from those used in industrial and surgical applications, to the more popular and expensive diamond jewelry.

The diamond, being the hardest substance found in nature, has a lot of uses, but its beauty and brilliance for personal value is more commonly known.

As an ordinary person, what do you look for in a diamond that can ensure that you're buying the best quality for the money you paid?

When considering diamonds, it is mandatory to know about the 4 Cs, which are the gem's Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.

Knowing these will determine the cost and worth of that particular piece. The easiest to learn about is the carat, which is the weight of the diamond. One carat is divided into 100 points and is equivalent to 0.2 grams.

Of course, the larger or the more hefty the carat is, the more rare and expensive the diamond.

A diamond can be cut to make its surface look bigger but its carat will also determine its value.

A diamond's clarity will depend on the size and number of inclusions in the stone.

An inclusion is a diamond's tiny flaw or fingerprint, microscopic traces of non-crystallized carbon that are mostly indiscernible to the naked eye.

As for a diamond's color, these are graded according to how colorless they are, which is rare. Diamonds may appear white or colorless most of the time, but are actually more yellow, brown or grayish. Some diamonds also come in fancy hues like blue, pink, red, green and bright yellow, which are extremely rare and expensive.

And lastly is a diamond's cut. Compared to the 3 other Cs, the cut depends on human hands, and is not formed by nature. An expert can cut a diamond in such a way that it emphasizes its brilliance and beauty.

Other than the 4 Cs, there are other actions you can take to ensure that you are buying quality diamonds. Ask your dealer if it is certified, meaning that it has undergone quality analysis at an independent laboratory and have been expertly graded.

This appraisal is done by a gemologist and includes a retail price. But this analysis is not necessarily used by the industry to compare quality but can be used for insurance purposes.

But the most important aspect to consider when buying a diamond piece is to follow your instincts. You can trust experts but never let someone convince you of a diamond's particular quality if you remain uncertain.

A diamond is an expensive and lasting purchase so make sure that you it fits your individual