What criteria are used to assess the value of a diamond? Our correspondent in Brussels addressed this question to the experts of the Antwerp diamond community on the eve of Christmas and New Year sales. And here is what he found out.
Basically, the essence of what the experts said was that the true value of a polished diamond is determined by four major and three additional criteria.
In fact, experts say, each buyer has its own, purely subjective, perceived value of diamonds, but a more objective assessment is based on certain standards which are internationally recognized.
One of the methods to determine the exact value of a polished diamond is to apply the so called 4C measurements, which is a grading classification based on the four above mentioned criteria, whose names in English begin with the C letter.
The first category by which the value of a polished diamond is estimated is its Carat Weight ranging from 0.05 carats to 7 carats, as a rule. This is followed by Clarity which is expressed in alphanumeric combinations - LC/IF, VS1, or P3. Diamond clarity depends on the number of inclusions and blemishes and their location, as well as on a stone’s size and brightness.
The next parameter is Color, which may vary from pure white (transparent) to light yellow.
Finally, the fourth criterion which is taken into account when assessing the value of a diamond is its Cut. This also applies to other colored gemstones. As for the diamond cut, it may take various shapes called “brilliant” (classic round cut), "marquis," "princess," “oval,” “heart,” “pear,” “cushion,” etc.
In general, the 4C system defines the value of a polished diamond in accordance with a strictly codified methodology. However, in order to best estimate the value, you need to add three more evaluation criteria. They mainly delineate the symmetry and proportions of a stone, its degree of fluorescence and polishing quality.
Each diamond is given an official certificate of its value, which describes all the seven criteria set out above in detail. Such certificates are given in particular by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and HRD Antwerp.
The certificates issued by these institutions are the best guarantee of quality and authenticity of a polished diamond.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
