How to Select a Diamond

Whether you work with us to create a custom ring or you are searching for the perfect diamond to match your existing setting, Adamas Fine Jewelry offers and extensive in-house inventory of fine quality loose diamonds of every shape and carat size.

Adamas Fine Jewelry owner and chief designer, Anto Aboyan hand selects every diamond we purchase, choosing fine quality loose diamonds that are certified by the Gemological Institute of America and European Gemological Laboratory. Each diamond is sourced only through diamond suppliers that we have a longstanding, trusted relationship with. We expend every effort to source diamonds that are 100% compliant with the Kimberley Process, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 to monitor the buying and selling of loose diamonds.

Choosing your perfect diamond is easy with the help of the 4 Cs.


The 4 Cs: a Primer

The 4 Cs is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. These are the globally accepted standards and benchmarks by which diamonds are judged so that diamond quality can be communicated in one language and so that every diamond buyer will know exactly what they are purchasing.

Color

Known more accurately as the absence of color. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues down the alphabet, with subtle increases in the presence of color, ending at the letter Z. Slight color presence in a diamond may be invisible to the untrained eye but will have an impact on a diamond’s quality and price.

Clarity

This describes the level of inclusions and blemishes that occur naturally in each diamond mined from the earth. Many imperfections will only be visible with magnification. The number, size, and position of these imperfections are categorized along a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). Where each diamond falls on this scale will affect its overall appearance and value.

Cut

Cut is arguably the most important characteristic a diamond has, and it’s the only one that is not naturally occurring. It is the task of a master diamond cutter to precisely cut and polish each facet so that the full fire, sparkle, and brilliance of that stone will be realized. Exact angles, proportions, and symmetry are crucial to the cut grading of each diamond. The grading scale consists of 5 grades from Excellent to Poor.

Carat

Carat refers to a diamond’s weight. A carat is equal to 100 “points” and allows a jeweler to measure each diamond to a precise hundredth decimal place. For example, a 1/4 carat diamond will be referred to as 25 points or 0.25 carats. Higher carat weight diamonds carry a higher price because they occur more rarely in nature and are therefore more sought after and desirable in the market.

Review

Together, all 4Cs will have an impact on the quality, value, and price of a diamond. Find a jeweler who is open to sharing their expertise with you. Working with a jeweler you trust will help you unravel the mysteries of this large and special purchase.
Adamas Fine Jewelry provides sound advice to all our diamond-buying clients. We’ll explain every aspect of the diamond grading system, and we’ll show you, through side-by-side diamond comparisons, how to make the most informed decision based on your wants, needs, and budget.

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