Carat, colour, clarity... a quality diamond is not chosen at random. Quality criteria determine its value. If you want to buy one, here's what you need to know.
THE WEIGHT IN CARAT
The carat weight of a diamond determines its market value, just like gold or silver. The jewel on which it is mounted is also a determining factor. Indeed, diamonds sprinkled on a bracelet will not have the same weight as those to be put on earrings.
This weight also expresses the volume and quality of the diamond. A 0.5 carat diamond can have a volume of 5.2 mm or 6.4 mm depending on its shape and size. Generally, size means that the volume is important. However, this is not always the case.
COLOUR AND CLARITY
Diamonds can be white, yellow, pink, etc. In fact, the classic white is only one variation of color among others. A grade from D to Z has been assigned to categorize them according to their hue. The purest ones are close to the D rating and the most tinted ones to the Z rating. From note I, diamonds take a yellow colour.
The question of purity is also a criterion of quality. The purer the diamond, the more valuable it will be. To find out, you have to test it and check for streaks inside. If you see streaks in the light, it is not completely clear and its value decreases.
SHAPE AND SIZE
You can choose the shape of your diamond according to your personal preferences or according to the jewel that will wear it. No particular shape is imposed for this or that jewel.
However, you should know that the emerald cut is less known, but just as appreciated as the princess shape. Some prefer the heart shape and others the cushion cut. But the most famous is the diamond cut. It stands out because of its rounded top and its brilliance. Indeed, the brilliance is the main character of a true diamond quality.
To make your choice easier, note that diamonds are graded according to the quality of their cut. The "Very Good" models are the best, but the items with the inscription "excellent" belong to the top quality. You also need a legal certification: the GIA certificate, the HRD certificate or the IGI certificate. This is the only document that can attest to the real quality of a diamond and its origin.