Diamonds!
A diamond's value is based on four criteria:
A diamond's value is based on four criteria:
color, cut, clarity, and carat.
The clarity and color of a diamond usually are
graded. However, scales are not uniform:
a clarity grade of "slightly included" may
represent a different grade on one grading
system versus another, depending on the terms
used in the scale. Make sure you know how a
particular scale and grade represent the color
or clarity of the diamond you're considering.
A diamond can be described as "flawless"
only if it has no visible surface or internal
imperfections when viewed under 10-power
magnification by a skilled diamond grader.
Some diamonds may be treated to improve
their appearance in similar ways as other
gemstones. Since these treatments improve
the clarity of the diamond, some jewelers
refer to them as clarity enhancement.
One type of treatment - fracture filling -
conceals cracks in diamonds by filling
them with a foreign substance.
This filling may not be permanent and jewelers
should tell you if the diamond you're
considering has been fracture-filled.