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Check Out the 4Cs

Posted on: Monday, 3 April 2006, 03:03 CDT

DIAMONDS have been the traditional symbol of love since ancient times. Besides being the most popular gemstone to symbolise a couple's love and commitment to each other, diamonds have mesmerised people for centuries for various reasons including its healing powers, for trade and even to finance wars.

Whatever the reason, the allure of this gem is such that it is the most sought-after precious stone in the world.

The 4Cs - carat, cut, colour and clarity - are the most important features of a diamond. Created in 1953 by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), the 4Cs have been used ever since by jewellers to assess the worth of a stone.

Academically, the cut, clarity, colour and carat are all equally important but according to Habib, the cut is everything. When a diamond is cut properly, even if there are minor irregularities (technically known as `inclusion') within the stone, it still has scintillation. In short, the right cut can justify any form of irregularity.

Contrary to popular belief, not all diamonds are cut expertly. The slightest human error can result in an inferior cut.

When cut too deep, a circular black smudge will be seen in the centre of the diamond, when viewed from the top.

Too shallow a cut and one will notice a `fish eye' or smudge in the shape of a ring. And it may not necessarily be the work of amateurs. Even the experts can make mistakes when the necessary attention is not given.

This is why it is often said that a round brilliant diamond cut to perfect proportions by a master cutter is like the eighth wonder of the world!

To assess the cut of a diamond, a body like GIA uses a rating system of `excellent', 'very good', `good' and `fair'. However, it is important to note that each classification occupies 25 per cent of the scale. This simply means that when the cut of a particular diamond is graded `good', it could be almost 25 per cent away from the 'very good' rating. So one should look out for glaring defects to avoid disappointment later.

The standard rule when it comes to clarity is that the stone must appear to be free of any inclusions or tiny anomalies within, which are often almost invisible.

The easiest of the 4Cs to determine is the carat. Carats are a measure of weight and not size. Two diamonds with the same carat in weight can appear to differ in size because of their cut. Some diamonds, with a bit of crafty cutting, can end up having a larger top surface, but the brilliance of the diamond would be sacrificed, thereby making it worth less.

The depths of a diamond reflect a myriad of colours. Industry types grade the colour of diamonds beginning at `D' for the virtually colourless and most expensive diamond, to `Z' for diamonds in shades of pink, grey, brown or yellow, that are generally less costly because they don't possess the same `whiteness'.

But when a diamond has a strong tinge of yellow, red, pink or green, it becomes a 'fancy' diamond, which are highly prized, extremely rare and come with prices that can even exceed that of a colourless `D' grader.

If you're looking for diamonds, try checking your 4Cs before purchasing. For those who are keen on a specific quality and investment value, Habib suggests getting a certified diamond with certification provided by an independent body like GIA or Hoge Raad voor Diamant. They are authorities known worldwide for their impartial assessment and noncompromising dedication.

SUNDAY PEOPLE - HABIB DIAMOND FEST 2006 CONTEST

HABIB is giving away fabulous jewellery worth RM20,000 in conjunction with Diamond Fest 2006. For today, Sunday People will carry articles on diamonds.

Read the stories and answer three contest questions each week but don't send it off yet. You need to compile all four contest forms and to complete the slogan in Week Four.

Then send it off... And you could win diamonds

Source: New Straits Times

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