How are Diamonds valued?

They are valued by the four features – carat weight, color, clarity and cut (referred to as “the 4 “C’s” by jewelers). Carat-weights generally range from 0.25 up to and above 3.00 carats. The larger the stone the more valuable it is. However, we cannot forget about color and clarity in determining value. If a large stone has major flaws and is discolored, a smaller one that is clear and flawless is far more valuable.

The perfect diamond is pure-white like crystals. Most, though, have some color. One way to see the true color is to look at the stone through its side using a white background. However, from a collector's point of view the colored variety is very desirable. Some are pink, green, blue and even blood red. These collector's items called "fancies" are rare and can be very expensive. Diamonds with no imperfections are very rare. This is because most have at least minor imperfections. These imperfections are called "inclusions". Lines, bubbles, or spots in a diamond are considered flaws. Most true diamonds fluoresce in ultraviolet light.