Clarity

Clarity refers to the purity and clearness of a diamond. The number, size, location and nature of any imperfections found determines what clarity grade the diamond has. These imperfections are called inclusions if found internally and blemishes if the flaws are external.

If you purchase a diamond that has been disclosed as “clarity treated” prior to the sale, you should be aware of the two methods that can be used to enhance the clarity of a diamond – laser drilling and fracture filling.

Laser drilling involves drilling a tiny hole into the diamond, whereby the bulk of the imperfection can be removed. Fracture filling is used to fill in tiny cracks and flaws in a diamond with a clear, glass-like substance. This treatment is not permanent and will wear away over time.

Color

A diamond’s color involves assigning a grade to the diamond based on how much color is visible in the stone. Diamonds can range in shade from nearly colorless to yellow. They can also have slight tints of yellow, gray, or brown. Pink, blue, green, red, and intense yellow diamonds are also available but are exceptionally rare. As such, these “fancy” diamonds greatly enhance the value of the stone.

Some diamonds have been color treated before sale and should be disclosed as such. Color treated diamonds undergo a method of irradiation treatment followed by heat treatment to influence the color of the stone. In most cases, this method is not recommended because of the risk of the diamond changing color over time.

Cut

Proportions, finish, polish and symmetry combine to describe the cut of a diamond. Additionally, these factors help assess the brilliance of the stone (how well the diamond reflects light.)

Well cut diamonds will always be much more valuable than poorly cut stones, and as such will command a premium price. Because of this, diamond cutters take great care to cut diamonds to reflect the most light possible.

Carat Weight

Carat refers to the actual weight of the diamond, not the visual size. Carat weight is determined based on a 100 point system where 1 carat is equal to 0.20 grams. The larger the carat weight, the more valuable a diamond will be. For example, a 1 carat diamond will always be worth much more than 2 half-carat diamonds, because the 1 carat diamond is harder to find.

Clarity, color, cut and carat weight are all very important to determine the value of a diamond. Each factor must be taken into consideration when assessing the value of a stone. When taken together, the four C’s are a very accurate depiction of the worth of your diamond and can help you find the perfect stone for your needs.

The perfect ring is different for different couples depending upon their unique taste and sense of style. Some people are very traditional and would never consider an unusually colored diamond, and others are blown away by a diamond with a blue or champagne hue. There are couples who demand intricate complexity in their setting, and others who prefer the neat and simple statement that a diamond solitaire ring makes. There is no right or wrong in matters of taste. When you are shopping for a diamond engagement ring it is all about you. Which ring stands out in your eyes?

Many people are impressed when they see a really large diamond on someone’s finger, but there are subtleties at play that a jeweler would notice but a layman would miss. The size of a diamond is not the only indicator of the cost of the ring. There is such a thing as diamond quality, and if a ring is not GIA certified for quality, you can get a larger stone for the same price as a smaller on that is in fact GIA certified.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is not a for-profit entity. They are an independent body of diamond and gemstone experts who are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the diamond industry. When they certify a stone, their seal is etched into it (it is invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under a jeweler’s magnification tools). So when you are considering the question of whether or not size matters when you are shopping for a diamond, you have to consider the quality of the diamond that you are going to get as well as the size. A Gemological Institute of America certification is very important to some couples, and they may wind up with a smaller diamond than a couple who is willing to settle for a lesser quality stone that is not certified. Once again, this is a matter or personal opinion and preference. There are no absolutes concerning what “the best” course of action is.

Many are of the mind that it is not the quantity of something that really matters, but the quality. This seems like a wise assessment in most instances, and it may be the best way to approach the purchase of a diamond engagement ring. However, an engagement ring is a very personal purchase. In the final analysis, when you are asking the question, “does size matter when you are purchasing a diamond engagement ring?” the answer is this: size matters as much as you think that it does.