EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIAMONDS

The first thing you need to know is that the word “diamond” originates from ancient Greek “adamas,” meaning “invincible.” This is due to its hardness, as it is the toughest material in the world.

A diamond is one of the best investments to make, as its value and beauty will not diminish over time. Each piece is unique, so it’s important to know how to choose the right one when it comes to jewelry.

The natural process of diamond formation is extensive and consists of pure carbon atoms, which, under extreme pressure and temperatures, give life to diamonds. It’s essential to note that diamonds are a non-renewable resource, so if you’re not knowledgeable about the topic, you might be deceived in a purchase, as lab-grown diamonds also exist.

Classification

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a worldwide institution that certifies diamonds and gemstones, established in 1931. It classifies diamonds based on their quality and rarity.

The evaluation of a diamond is determined by the 4Cs: carat (weight), color, cut, and clarity. We will explain each of them below:

Weight

The average weight of diamonds is in carats, abbreviated as ct. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. The higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone is.

Color

The GIA established an alphabetical system to grade the color of diamonds, starting with “D,” the whitest, and ending with “Z,” indicating a yellowish tone. The less color a diamond has, the higher its value.

Cut

This refers to the proportions of the diamond, defining its brilliance. There are seven points by which a cut is characterized: brightness, fire, sparkle, weight ratio, durability, polish, and symmetry. Cuts are also a matter of taste; there are no better or worse ones.

Clarity

In most diamonds, there are usually imperfections since they are stones found underground. That’s why they commonly have pieces of carbon inside and outside. So, the fewer imperfections, the purer it is. GIA is defined as a scale that is subdivided into 11 grades, and diamonds with the fewest imperfections are called flawless, but very few people have managed to find one with these characteristics.

We hope that after this article, you have learned more about diamonds, so the next time you go to buy one, you will be sure that you are not being deceived. At Braggao, we have experts on the subject, and it will be a pleasure to assist you.

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