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Diamond
Education: The American Gem Society Way |
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The
single greatest determinant of a diamond's beauty is the precision
with which it is cut. |
| Ideal
Cut |
The
diamond will be shaped to the optimum proportions for maximum brilliance.
It will also have ideal symmetry and polish. The AGS Ideal 0
cut grade represents the very best in diamond cutting and is only
assigned to a diamond in which correct proportions, precise symmetry
and excellent polish are combined to produce an optimum display of
brilliance, scintillation and dispersion. |
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| Color |
As
with cut, nuances in the color of a diamond can dramatically affect
the diamond's value. Most are graded on a scale that ranges
from colorless (D) through yellowish (Z). Although increasing
shades of yellow reduce the value of a diamond, they do not necessarily
reduce its beauty. If a diamond is well cut, refraction and
dispersion will often disguise certain degrees of coloration. |
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| Clarity |
The
presence or absence of inclusions within the diamond and blemishes
on its surface. These slight "birthmarks of nature"
generally do not affect the beauty of a stone, but almost always affect
its price. |
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| Carat
Weight |
A
carat (ct.) is 1/5 of a gram and each carat is further divided into
point, each point representing 1/100th of a carat. ex: .63ct. is 63 points. |
