Whether you’re purchasing a diamond for a pendant centerpiece, buying some new earrings, or in the market for an engagement ring, knowing what diamond carat weight and colour means is essential. Here we’ll talk you through exactly what carat and colour refers to, so you can enter your diamond search equipped with the knowledge and confidence to choose the perfect diamond you’ve been searching for.
Diamond Carat
When embarking on the journey to purchase a diamond, whether for an engagement ring, a special gift, or personal indulgence, understanding the nuances of diamond carat weight is essential. This guide aims to demystify the concept of carat and its impact on a diamond’s value and appearance, tailored specifically for the discerning Australian market.
Carat vs. Karat: Clearing the Confusion Firstly, it’s crucial to distinguish between ‘carat’ and ‘karat’. While ‘carat’ signifies the weight of a diamond, ‘karat’ measures the purity of gold jewellery. The term ‘carat’ has its roots in the ‘carob’ seed, historically used by diamond traders due to its remarkable consistency in weight and size.
The Standard Measurement of Carat Since the early 20th century, the carat has been standardized to 200 milligrams, equating to 1/5 of a gram. It’s a common practice among jewellers to discuss diamond weight in quarter-carat increments. In multi-stone jewellery pieces, the combined weight of all diamonds is expressed as the total carat weight (TW).
Key Insights into Diamond Carat Understanding carat weight is more complex than it appears. Here are some critical insights:
- Price vs. Carat Weight: Two diamonds may share the same carat weight yet differ significantly in price. This discrepancy arises from other crucial factors influencing a diamond’s cost, such as cut, colour, clarity, and of course, carat weight.
- Rarity and Size: As the carat weight increases, so does the rarity and, consequently, the price. To put this into perspective, less than one in a million rough diamonds mined are large enough to produce a finished 1-carat diamond.
- Perceived Size: A higher-carat diamond doesn’t always present a substantially larger appearance. For instance, comparing a 1-carat diamond to a 3-carat diamond, the diameter might only grow by 50%, and the crown area visible once set might merely double.
- Shape and Appearance: The shape of a diamond can influence its perceived size. A 1-carat marquise diamond typically appears larger than a 1-carat round diamond due to its elongated shape and greater surface area when set.
- The Impact of Cut: A well-cut diamond can appear larger than a poorly cut stone with a higher carat weight. The cut grade plays a pivotal role in the diamond’s brilliance and visual size.
Choosing the Right Carat for You When selecting a diamond in Australia, consider your budget and the importance of carat weight in relation to other characteristics. Remember that a well-balanced combination of cut, colour, clarity, and carat will result in a stunning diamond that meets your expectations and value for money.
Conclusion Carat weight is a fundamental aspect of a diamond’s identity, but it’s not the sole determinant of its beauty or worth. By comprehensively understanding carat and its interplay with other diamond attributes, Australian buyers can make informed decisions and find the perfect gem that resonates with their desires and lifestyle.
Diamond Colour
Diamonds, the epitome of luxury and elegance, are not just coveted for their brilliance but also for their color. In the world of gemstones, the colour of a diamond plays a pivotal role in its allure and value. This comprehensive guide will delve into the fascinating world of diamond colour, providing Australian buyers with the knowledge to make an informed choice.
Understanding the Color of Diamonds The colour of diamonds is as diverse as nature itself. From the romantic hues of pink, the serene blues to the sunny yellows, coloured diamonds are treasures that are sought after globally. Among these, some hues are exceedingly rare, making them even more precious. However, when it comes to the classic white diamond, ‘colour’ refers to its absence. The less colour a white diamond has, the more it can sparkle and shine.
The GIA Color Scale: Decoding the Shades The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed a color scale for grading white diamonds, which has become the international benchmark. This scale ranges from D, representing colourless, to Z, indicating a noticeable yellow or brown tint. Diamonds that fall between D and J are considered colourless or near colourless, with their subtle differences being nearly imperceptible to the untrained eye.
Price Implications of Diamond Color The diamond colour grade directly influences its price. A diamond with a D colour grade is more valuable than one with a J colour grade because the absence of colour enhances the diamond’s ability to reflect light, resulting in superior brilliance.
Key Considerations for Diamond Color
- Cut and Color: After the cut, the colour is the second most crucial aspect to consider. A diamond’s sparkle is immediately apparent, and its colour can either enhance or diminish this effect.
- Perception Once Set: It’s challenging to discern the true colour of a diamond once it’s set in a ring. For instance, a diamond with an H colour grade may appear similar to a D grade under normal lighting conditions, which differs from the controlled environment used by gemologists.
- Setting Influence: The metal in which a diamond is set can affect its perceived colour. Yellow gold can mask yellowish tints in a diamond, whereas white gold may make them more apparent.
Choosing the Perfect Hue For Australians in search of the perfect diamond, it’s essential to balance personal preferences with practical considerations. While a higher colour grade means a higher price, remember that once set in jewellery, the differences in colour grades are not as distinguishable.
Conclusion The journey to selecting the right diamond is as unique as the stone itself. With this guide, Australian buyers are equipped to navigate the nuances of diamond colour. Whether you’re drawn to the rare coloured diamonds or the timeless elegance of a colourless stone, understanding the colour scale and its impact on a diamond’s beauty will ensure that your choice shines as bright as your love for it.
When choosing a diamond it’s important to consider carat, colour, clarity and cut. It’s the combination of these factors that will help you decide on which diamond is the right one to meet your individual needs. Like any decisions we make in life, choosing the right diamond is very personal – having the knowledge and expertise to know what you’re looking for makes the selection process much easier, and all the more exciting.
by Australian Diamond Brokers : March 21st 2016 Come visit our store or browse our website to find out more.