Diamonds: How to Choose the Perfect Diamond?

Shopping for a diamond can seem confusing but with the help of Calaveras Coin & Pawn  you can find the diamond that is perfect for you or for the one that you love. A diamond's shape and setting are important considerations as is the diamond's look on your hand, ears, neckline, or wrist. Beyond that, understanding four characteristics common to all diamonds is the sort of diamond education useful to help you find that perfect diamond and give you many years of owner satisfaction. 

Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring
The four characteristics (or attributes) used to determine the value of any Calaveras Coin & Pawn diamonds are 
Carat – The mass of a diamond is determined by something called carat weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams while the point unit, which corresponds to one one-hundredth of a carat (2 mg or 0.01 carat), is commonly used for diamonds with a mass under one carat. The price per carat is determined by carat weight and increases correspondingly as larger diamonds are less common, but more desirable and used as gemstones. 
Clarity - Clarity measures the internal defects found in any diamond, what are commonly known as inclusions. Inclusions can be structural imperfections such as minute cracks which have a whitish or cloudy look or they could be crystals of a foreign material or even another diamond crystal. Clarity is impacted by the size, number, color, comparative location, orientation, and visibility of the inclusions. 
Color – A diamond free of structural and chemical imperfections is perfectly transparent, exhibiting no hues or colors to detract from its appearance. In actuality, virtually every diamond has minor imperfections which can influence its value in one way or another. A white diamond with a yellowish hue would be valued less while a diamond with a striking blue or pink hue will be valued much higher. 
Cut – Diamonds are unearthed in an imperfect condition and must be shaped and polished to become truly gem-worthy. The handiwork of an accomplished craftsman coupled with angles in which the diamond is cut determines the cut. Not to be confused with shape, the cut is determined by a precise mathematical equation developed nearly a century ago. 
To the naked eye, most people find that it is impossible to tell the difference from one color grade to another. As far as price goes, the difference can be significant. Diamond purists always demand diamonds in the D-F range, but when selecting diamonds in the G-I range you can find tremendous value while still achieving a "colorless" look. This is particularly important for consumers who are buying their diamond on a budget or trying to maximize the size of their stone. In that case "J" grade diamonds are the most affordable and still nearly colorless. You may want to consider choosing a diamond with a medium or strong fluorescence as these diamonds are discounted slightly in price allowing you to afford a higher color stone without paying a premium price. 
As a diamond shopper, you can count on Calaveras Coin & Pawn to help you find the right wedding and anniversary diamond or designer jewelry diamond that is right for you.