The very first thing anyone has to do before purchasing anything, anything expensive for that matter, would be to learn everything that he possibly can about that which he is going to purchase. The second thing he has to know is where to buy it.

Diamonds are expensive, but what makes them so expensive?

A natural diamond is prized mainly because of its optical properties; its ability to reflect and scatter light in a unique way. This depends largely on its 4 qualities: Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut. These qualities can be measured accurately by an expert gemologist using laboratory equipment and are included in all diamond reports or certificate, regardless of which laboratory issues it. Even the slightest increment or decrement on any of these qualities can result to a price difference hundreds of dollars worth.

Knowledge of these 4 are essential to anyone who will be purchasing loose diamonds or any kind of diamond jewelry. It is fairly easy to understand and it will also create the impression on any jeweler that his client knows what he is talking about.

Carat – Simply put, this is a measurement of a diamond’s weight. 1 carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams or 0.007 ounces. The higher the carat weight (ctw) of a diamond, the more expensive it is.

Clarity – A diamond’s clarity is measured by the amount of flaws known as “inclusions” that are present. Internal inclusions are usually called “clouds”, “crystals” and “feathers” while external flaws usually take the form of blemishes and surface irregularities. Clarity is rated from “Included” (I1, I2, I3) to “Flawless” (Fl) or “Internally Flawless” (IF). It is very rare for a natural diamond to have no inclusions, which is why flawless diamonds are extremely expensive.

Color – Most diamonds exhibit a natural hue which at times can affect its ability to reflect light. Diamond color is rated from K-M (most color) to D (colorless), with D rated diamonds being the most expensive. There are some cases however, where colored diamonds are more expensive. Diamond such as these exhibit a strong and distinct color and are usually extremely rare.

Cut – This quality depends on the diamond cutter’s skill and is rated on how well the diamond was cut into shape. Regardless of what shape a diamond is cut into, its proportions, angles and facets should maximize the diamond’s ability to reflect, refract and disperse light.

A visual representation of these qualities, as well as the grading system of each can be found below:

Infograph courtesy of Brilliance.com. Brilliance is an online vendor of loose diamonds and fine jewelry, specializing in diamond engagement rings, diamond stud earrings, necklaces bracelets and custom jewelry.