7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN YOU BUY DIAMONDS
Being natural stones, every diamond is unique. It is almost impossible to find two identical ones. There is a wide range of quality and beauty to be found from diamond to diamond. This is why two stones, very similar to the untrained eye, can have very different price tags. There are several things to consider to ensure you are choosing an exceptional piece of quality and getting real value for your money.
1. The basic method of assessing diamond is known as ‘the 4 Cs’; Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. Each C has its own classification and grading system; it is not just all about size.
2. The purest diamonds have no hue and they are described as colourless (graded D, E or F) and near colourless (graded G, H, I and J)
3. Most diamonds contain natural traces of other minerals called inclusions or they can have external blemishes. If they are visible to the naked eye they can affect the overall appearance of a diamond and diminish its sparkle.
4. The cut usually refers to the shape of a diamond but it also determines its ability to transmit and refract light. This results in that sparkle that makes them a girl's best friend.
5. Black diamonds are different from most other diamonds as they are entirely opaque. They are very beautiful and generally more affordable. Black diamonds owe their colour to the inclusion of graphite and random clustering throughout the diamond.
6. Fancy colour diamonds can be naturally pink, yellow, red, blue, green, brown or even white. They are extremely rare and often more precious than colourless diamonds.
7. STAVIORI DIAMONDS.
Magical, perfect, unique...These are the words used to describe magnificent diamond pieces created by the best Italian goldsmiths. Sophisticated design, timeless quality and micro-set stones ensure outstanding beauty and durability. Each jewellery piece has a certificate of authenticity for the precious stones and all diamonds weighing over 0.5ct have an international certificate showing the 4cs.
The Staviori range offers high value custom-made pieces which will impress even the keenest eye of those who value quality, uniqueness and exquisite beauty.
4C DIAMOND CHARACTERISTICS
CARAT
The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat = 0,2 grams and one carat equals 100 points. Which means that 10 pointer diamond weights 1/10 of a carat usually denoted as 0.10 ct.
CLARITY
All diamonds have traces of their growth history. Microscopic inclusions are an integral feature of gemstones. The clarity scale reflects the size, number, location and visibility of the characteristics when examined with a loupe 10x. The very best and rarest clarity is loupe clean. Most inclusions, however, are not visible to the naked eye. Diamonds that have no inclusions visible to the unaided eye are also of excellent value.
COLOUR
Most diamonds are colourless to slightly yellowish. The colour grade is determined by comparison with a series of masterstones, the best grade being colourless. With an exception of intense colours such as pink or light blue which are also very valuable. Diamonds can occur in all sorts of colours, ranging from brownish to striking yellows, purple, red and blue. These are called “fancy colours”
CUT
Brilliant cut diamonds are referred to as round diamonds. Other popular shapes are oval, marquise, pear, heart, emerald and princess. Diamond cut quality is determinative for the brilliancy and the fire of the diamond. Full cut diamond has 58 facets ( 56 facets, table and culet.) Low quality cut can depreciate the value of a stone even more then 50%. Evaluation of the cut is the most crucial part in diamond evaluation.
HALLMARKING
All jewellery pieces have been hallmarked with official stamps for sterling silver and 14ct or 18ct gold. Gold items over 1g and silver items over 7.8gram also hold a Common Convention Hallmark.