What makes Diamonds so unusual is that they are considered a geological accident or oddity. It is theorised that most if not all the worlds diamonds were created just over 3 billion years ago at depths of around 150 kilometres. Diamonds are brought to the surface in uniquely violent volcanic eruptions, rare catastrophic events unlikely to to ever be witnessed by man.
Diamond is the hardest known mineral on earth and combined with its exceptional lustre and brilliant fire has made it one of the most highly prized gems.
Pure colourless diamond are the most popular. Other colours are available from greens , browns, yellows, pinks, blues, reds and black amongst the varieties.
Diamond colours can be changed by Radiation therefore proper certification of coloured stones is very important as the value of natural and radiated stones varies considerably.
Buying A Diamond
Diamond are considered a International commodity and prices are determined by the Rapaport Diamond Report published in New York. This price list changes with supply and demand but is used as a guide all over the world by dealers and retailers alike. Published in USD. The Rapaport is divided into categories of weight, colour and clarity. Their are 11 categories in the first 0.99 of a crt and then 2 in the next 1 to 1.99crt and 1 category thereafter. The reason being that the smaller stones are always the most commonly available as well as the most popular.
Although this system maximizes the return on stones it also benefits the consumer as the prices are set internationaly.
The key to buying a diamond is making an informed choice.
Diamonds-The 4 c,s
1.Cut
The most important consideration when buying a diamond is the cut. This little know fact is often over looked by a potential buyer. The certificate will give a clear indication of the Clarity, Colour, and Carat weight but often omitted is the proprtions. Put simply if the certificate does not contain the section on the cut do not buy the stone. The stones cut must always be good or very good. If the cut is described as poor the stone loses value.
2.Colour
The descion surrounding colour is one of personal prefrence and what you can afford. Obviously the better the colour the more expensive the stone. Grading starts with the colour D which is described as Blue White and is your top stone. Stones in the white category are E to I with J and K referded to as Top Silver L is refferd to as Silver Cape with M and N being light Cape. O and P are Cape with Q to Z referred to as Dark Cape.Coloured stones have their own certifications.
3. Clarity
Flawless stones are very rare and command premium prices. The next category describing the inclusions in diamonds is VVS1 and VVS2 these again are stones with very very small inclusions not visible to the naked eye. VS1 AND VS2 describe stones with very small inclusions S1,2 and 3 describe small inclusions often visible to the naked eye on close examination. I1 ,2 and 3 stones are stones with visible inclusions and are often more difficult to sell.
4.Carat
Carat is the actual weight of the stone. 5 carats are equivalent to 1 gram so it is a micro measurement. Due to the high value of Diamonds weights are reflected in fractions so a stones weight may be 0.3456 carats
When buying a stone it is important to always look at the Rapaport Pricing. The difference in price between a 0.99 carat stone and a 1.00 carat stone can be substantial.
Valley Gems As A Supplier of Diamonds:
Valley Gems is one of South Africa,s leading suppliers of Cut and Certified Diamonds. If you are planning to buy a stone let us give you a quote. We can also assist in helping you find that special stone to suite your budget.
Chris Stylianou is also a director of Kiesha Mining in Sierra Leone and has a fairly extensive knowledge of the field.
