Diamond weight is determined in carats (many people think 'carat' refers to quality, which is incorrect).
The word "carat" comes from the "carob" seed, the original unit of measure for diamond traders. A carat is subdivided into a 100 points, therefore 50 points is half a carat.
A carat is equal to exactly 0.2 grams (about the weight of a paper clip). Carat weight is unrelated to the similar sounding karat, which refers to gold's purity.
Because diamonds are formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure; virtually all diamonds contain "birthmarks"; small imperfections inside the diamond (called inclusions), or on its surface (called blemishes).
Clarity refers to the degree to which these imperfections are present. Diamonds which contain numerous or significant inclusions or blemishes have less brilliance because the flaws interfere with the path of light through the diamond.
There are 11 different clarity grades from Internally Flawless (IF) to I3 where the inclusions are very obvious and the diamond is close to industrial grade.
Grading is conducted under 10x magnification.
Cut refers not to a diamond's shape (e.g. round, oval, pear, etc.) but to a diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish. The beauty of a diamond depends more on cut than any other factor.
Though extremely difficult to analyze and quantify, diamond cut has three primary effects on appearance: brilliance (the brightness created by the combination of all the white light reflections from the surface and the inside of a polished diamond), fire (the dispersion of light into the colors of the visible spectrum, seen as flashes of colour), and scintillation (the flashes of light and dark, or sparkle, when a diamond or light source is moved).
Apart from the round brilliant cut diamond with 58 facets, there are also 'fancy cuts'. This terminology is used for all cuts which are not round diamonds. About 74% of all diamond sales are made up of the round brilliant cut.
Diamonds come in a variety of colours, some of them highly prized (pink, blue, red, green etc.).
However in a white diamond, the presence of a yellow tint will lower the price of a diamond. The less body colour in a white diamond, the more true colour it will reflect, and thus the greater its value.
There are 23 different colours ranging from 'D' - 'Z' - with 'D' being a transparent diamond and 'Z' a deep yellow diamond.
Diamonds outside of the 'D' - 'Z' colour range are called 'fancy' colours. These diamonds are very rare and expensive.
Before being purchased, all diamonds (sold by Willa Schoeman Diamond Investments) are sent to an Internationally recognised, independent laboratory for a comprehensive evaluation; a process known as diamond certification.
A reputable laboratory is one staffed by professional gemologists who specialize in diamond grading. Each diamond certificate issued is uniquely numbered, and corresponds to one individual diamond. From that point forward, the diamond and certificate will travel together from seller to buyer.
With the knowledge, experience, expertise, excellent prices and professional service, you will find in Willa Schoeman someone you will trust immediately.
Most importantly you will know you are working with a seasoned diamonteer. With 40+ years of experience, he will soon become your choice supplier of diamonds.