A diamond is a product of nature that is rare and possesses beauty unsurpassed in the realm of natural gemstones. As a result, diamond are special and we need to assess accurately their value. There are five parameters that help decide the value of a diamond:

Carat, Clarity, Color, Cut, and Certificate

Commonly referred to as the five C’s, it is these factors that determine the right price for any diamond on a scale of relative value.

Carat

This word refers to the physical weight that forms the unit of measurement of the diamond. In absolute terms, a single full carat weight is the same as 0.2 grams (0.007 ounces). The value of a diamond increases with its size since bigger diamonds are fewer in number and less readily available than the smaller ones. It goes to reason then that a half carat diamond will cost less than a one-carat stone presuming all other aspects are equal (though one cannot say that there is a direct correlation in cost in the sense of half carat costing exactly half the price of a one-carat).

Clarity

An extremely small number of diamonds are without any flaw or blemish of any kind, internal or external. Obviously then, the perfectly clear or flawless will be on top of the monetary scale and the other will be valued according to the location and type of flaw. Regulatory bodies like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the AGS (American Gemological Society) have laid down a descending order of grades that indicate type of flaw and the extent to which it devalues the stone.

Color

The most diamond is the one without any color. The light entering the crystalline structure gets split into spectral colors which we see as colorful flashes. It is the inclusions which lend color to a diamond and tend to reduce its natural brilliance. One can understand then that the less color, the more expensive will the stone be and more desirable.

Cut

A diamond shines because it reflects light; a single facet creates light but multiple facets create multiple reflections and so more luminosity. So Cut creates the brilliance and the value increases according to the proportions, angles, symmetry and finish given to a rough piece of stone. There are different Cuts available to chose from as per individual preference like round, oval, rectangular, etc. each with a different proportion and number of facets.

Certificate

The last C refers to the document that certifies the quality of your diamond based on the above four parameters and comes from a respected gemological laboratory. The information contained in it specifies the special traits including dimensions, carat weight, clarity and color, with measurements and/or grades related to cut. Also indicated diagrammatically are the type and position of inclusions. All these put together will help establish the value of the particular piece.

The Final C: Care

A diamond you purchase is for keeps; its beauty, rarity, and value make it essential that you look after it well. One way to do that is to have a diamond professional examine it once in a while. That way any impending problems like setting loosening up, bent prongs, accumulated dirt or others are taken care of in a timely manner.

Every diamond purchase is as unique as the stone you buy: no two stones are ever alike.