Diamond FAQs
By Andrew Z
Q. What are the Four Cs of diamonds?
A. The four main important characteristics associated with the quality, value, and beauty of diamonds are referred to as the four Cs. They are Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. I often suggest a fifth C—confidence in your jeweler. This helps you make certain that the first four are in line with your needs and expectations.
Q. If two diamonds each weigh 1.0 ct (carat), why is it that one of them can appear larger than the other?
A. There are two good reasons for this. First, 1.0 ct is the weight of the diamond, not its dimensions. So, depending on how the particular diamond was cut (deeper or shallower), the face-up dimension (diameter for a round cut) will vary accordingly. A typical well-cut and -proportioned round diamond will have a diameter of around 6.5mm.
The other reason has to do with brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut and -proportioned diamond will have more brilliance, fire, and sparkle, which results in a larger appearance. This is a double bonus—it looks larger and it has more sparkle!
Q. What color is the Hope Diamond?
A. The Hope Diamond is a steel-blue color and is currently on display at the Smithsonian. It weighs 45.52 ct. and is very attractive.
Q. What is the history of the Taylor-Burton diamond?
A. The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a pear-shaped 69.42 ct diamond. Cartier of N.Y. purchased the diamond at auction in 1969 and gave it its own name. The next day, British actor Richard Burton bought the diamond from them to give to Elizabeth Taylor, also gaining the right to rename it. In 1978, Taylor put the diamond up for sale. Prospective buyers had to pay $2,500 each just to view it. This was to cover security expenses. Finally, in June of 1979, the diamond was sold for over $3 million.
Q. A friend was considering some diamonds for sale online and, after comparing their specs and four Cs, felt that even though he wasn’t an expert, he found a good deal. His main hesitation to buy was an uncomfortable feeling about making such an expensive and important purchase without actually seeing and comparing the diamonds in person.
A. Your friend may not be a diamond expert, but doing some research is a great idea. It also sounds like he has a good gut instinct about not making a blind purchase. Buying a diamond based only on its specifications without seeing, comparing, and getting to know about it in person is sort of like choosing a spouse after only reviewing a handful of driver’s licenses. There are just too many interacting variables that can’t be visualized by reading numbers on a piece of paper!
My suggestion is to work with a trusted and qualified jeweler or gemologist that has diamond or gemology credentials and experience. Have him show you a few diamonds in different lighting—even outside, if he’s agreeable—and under the microscope. Also, discuss how you’ll be wearing the diamond as well as different types of settings for it. Ask if a diamond-grading certificate accompanies the diamond and if a trade-up policy applies in the event you’d like something larger or different in the future. This may sound funny, but if you’ve ever purchased or adopted a puppy or kitten, remember how you asked questions and then had fun playing around with it to see if the pet was right for you? Purchasing a diamond in a hands-on way can be a very enjoyable and memorable experience. You’ll also go home with a satisfying confidence in a diamond that is forever.