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The factors that establish the value of a diamond are: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.

Color:
Diamonds can cover the entire spectrum of colors. The majority range from a perceptible yellow or brownish tint up to the very rare diamonds described as colorless. The most sought-after diamonds are completely colorless in natural light, with absolutely no undertones of any color. The most colorless diamonds are called D grade, with the range of increased color going on through the alphabet to Z.

Clarity:
Most diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystallized carbon in internal stress factors. Called inclusions, most of these are not apparent to the naked eye but can be seen under magnification. Perfect clarity means that no inclusions are discernible when the diamond is examined under a 10x magnification lens. Inclusions greatly effect the beauty and value of a diamond because they absorb the light rather than allowing it to be reflected back through the front side of the stone. How much they reduce the value of a diamond depends on their size, number and position throughout the stone. An inclusion in the center of the diamond beneath the table is more visible than one near the edge. A diamond with no inclusions is graded FL for flawless; most of those available in jewelry stores are between SI2 (slightly included) to I2 (included).

Cut:
Cut has the greatest influence on the diamonds fire and brilliance. A round, brilliant-cut diamond has 28 facets. When well proportioned, this shape best shows the stones brilliance because it allows the most light to be refracted back to the eye of the observer. Stones that appear lifeless or stones that appear dark in the center are poorly cut. When the angle relationship between the crown and pavilion facets is correct, rays of light entering the diamond strike the rear facets at an angle greater than the critical angle. (24.5 degrees for diamond), and reflect back to the eye of the observer. If the stone is cut too deeply the light strikes the rear facets at an angle less than the critical angle and the light is lost through the sides of the diamond. If the diamond is cut too shallow, the light passes through the diamond without being reflected back. (no sparkle).

Carat weight:
The term "CARAT" comes from the ancient practice of weighing diamonds against the seeds of a carob tree. Though people say things like "Look at the size of that rock!" about some jewelry, the weight of the stone is the least important factor in its value. One carat is divided into 100 points, so a quarter-carat diamond is 25 points or 0.25 carat. A larger diamond will be worth more than a smaller one of the same quality, but a small, flawless, colorless diamond will be worth more than a large one with inclusions and a slight color. And of course, a "one carat cluster ring" will cost much less than a "one carat ring" with only one stone in it. These sizes do not apply to other gems, however, because their specific gravities differ from a diamond.

Advice:
The secret is to find a good jeweler you can rely on, for answers to any questions you might have along the way. We have been in business for well over 35 years in the Reno downtown area and a member in good standing of the Reno Better Business Bureau for many years.