Alex Daniel Diamonds

About Polished

A diamond, the ultimate gift for a loved one, for any occasion or celebration. When you want to buy a diamond, there are some things you need to know.

Polished diamonds are generally graded in terms of a combination of four factors: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat (the "4 Cs").

Color
Diamonds are graded by their relative lack of color. The less color the higher its value.
The color ranges from D-Z, a D color diamond will always be more valuable than other diamonds- all other factors being equal, of course.

Clarity
The second C is clarity. This is also an important factor in determining a diamonds value.
Diamonds have internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities called blemishes. Altogether they are referred to as Clarity characteristics and not having them around increases the diamonds value.
Blemishes are apparent mainly on the diamonds surface such as scratches and nicks, whereas inclusions are internal.
The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FI) which shows no inclusions or blemishes to Included (I1, I2, I3) which contain inclusions that affects transparency and brilliance and are visible under x10 magnification.
The between ranks are Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) and Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2).
The higher up in the Clarity scale the more expensive will the diamond be.

Cut
The Cut is a complex factor as far as the determining the diamond's value.
The Cut refers to the shape, style, proportions, symmetry and finish of the polished diamond, which is generally considered as "Make" in the diamond trade.
A diamond with "Good Make" is bright, fiery, symmetrical and sparkles with light.

Carat
The Carat is the basic Measuring unit of diamonds and expresses it's carat weight.
Since 1 Carat diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds they cost more (all other factors being equal).

Many diamonds come with reports from laboratories such as : G.I.A., E.G.L., A,G.S., A.G.A., I.D.I, H.R.D., I.G.I and more These certificates provide the customer with insurance from an objective, reliable source about the purchased diamond. These diamonds are often Laser Inscribed that can only be detected under microscope. The same number or inscription appears in the Dossier.