Page 21 - KC Cunningham Issue

Choosing the Perfect Diamond

By Rich Guy Miller

Choosing the perfect diamond can be exciting and challeng- white diamond. The Color is purely a result of the gemstone’s
ing. The first and most important step is to learn what you mineral composition. “Colorless” diamonds are traditionally
like. Ask yourself if you prefer fancy shapes or rounds? Do the most valuable. As they break up the light spectrum, they
you like one large stone or a collection of smaller cut gems? reflect more light and what we call ‘fire.’ Colored diamonds
Do you like intricate designs or classics? Focusing in on are commonly used for industrial grinding. They have en-
what gets you most excited will make it easier to find the joyed increased popularity since the 1980’s as ‘champagne’
diamonds meant for you. or “cognac.”
We asked Milton Krasner at Krasner Jewelers in La Jolla Carat
what makes a perfect diamond. Carat is a measurement of the weight of a diamond, but most
“Most diamonds actually people see it as a matter of
contain natural flaws or size. In practical terms, as long
identifying character- as the diamond is well propor-
istics,” Milton advised. tioned, the value increases
“We look for diamonds exponentially with the carat
that take advantage of weight, due to increased rarity.
the gem’s natural bril- The other “C’s” can also affect
liance." the diamond’s quality. Carat
Diamond appraisal is isn’t the only factor contribut-
based on the “Four C’s”: ing to price.
Cut, Clarity, Color and Cost
Carat. This brings us to the fifth “C.”
Cut Cost. “I know this should go
Since the brilliance of without saying,” Milton adds,
a diamond is deter- “but people’s eyes can glaze San Diego
mined by its Cut, the over when it comes to a Woman
Cut is probably the most purchase of this importance.
important of the four The quality of a diamond may
C's. A well-cut diamond not be directly connected to 21
gathers light through its the cost. To solve this, I highly
“table” (the face of the recommend that you make
diamond). Light travels sure you are dealing with a
into the diamond where certified gemologist, such as
it reflects from one facet a graduate of the Gemologi-
to another and then exits cal Institute of America. Other
through the face. This is the brilliance you see when looking credentials can also assure that you are dealing with a
at a well-cut diamond. reputable jeweler, and that the cost is fair. Diamond Certifi-
When a diamond has been cheaply cut, however, light enters cates are another evaluation of the unique characteristics of
through the table and is promptly lost through the sides and your choice diamond.” Diamonds that have a report should
base of the diamond. Less reflected light means less bril- always be checked and validated by checking it with the
liance. respective report.
Clarity If you are choosing a diamond, especially an engagement
As Milton mentioned, most diamonds contain natural flaws ring, learn as much as you can about the characteristics and
that occur while they are being formed. The size, number quality of the diamond you want and this can be achieved by
and visibility of these flaws determine the Clarity of a dia- comparing diamonds side by side.
mond. Generally, the fewer flaws a diamond has, the more
brilliance is possible, and therefore the more highly prized Milton Krasner, G.G., GIA, is the owner of Krasner Jewelers, located at 3262
and priced it will be. Not only do they exhibit more brilliance, Holiday Court Ste. 205, in La Jolla, California. For more information, contact
they are also more rare. Milton Krasner at (858) 677-9000 or visit www.KrasnerJewelers.com. Mil-
ton’s email is Milton@KrasnerJewelers.com
Color
A diamond's Color usually refers to the amount of Color in a
March/April 2010