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Cut | Colour | Clarity | Carat Weight | Tips for Sellers


There are four characteristics to understand that will help you when buying or selling a diamond. They are known as the four C's - Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight. It is the combination of these four factors that determines the value of a diamond.

Here's a brief overview of what to look for.



Colour
Colour refers to the presence or absence of colour in white diamonds. The whiter a diamond's colour, the greater it's value.

[NOTE: Fancy colour diamonds do not follow this rule. These diamonds, which are very rare and very expensive, can be any colour such as pink or bright yellow. They are actually more valuable for their colour.]

To grade 'whiteness', most jewellers refer to the GIA's professional colour scale that begins with the highest rating of D for colourless, and travels down the alphabet to grade stones with traces of very faint or light yellowish or brownish colour.
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Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of identifying characteristics on and within the stone. These tiny marks, known as inclusions, help to make each stone unique. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the more valuable a diamond will be.

Clarity Characteristics

Blemishes: Scratches and nicks on the surface of the diamond.
Inclusions: Any internal features of the diamond (some might break out externally).

Clarity grades:


 
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Cut
The quality of the cut determines a diamond’s brilliance. Most diamonds are cut with a full 58 facets and it is important that these are cut to precise angles. A diamond that is cut well will reflect light from one facet to another and then back out through the top of the diamond. Only a well-cut diamond will really sparkle.

Some of the more popular cuts are shown below:
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Carat Weight
Diamond weight is measured in carats and each carat is divided into 100 points. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams.



Tips for Sellers

  • Have your diamond jewellery assessed by a reputable jeweller.
  • Include as much information as possible and several clear pictures of the piece of jewellery or gem at different angles.
  • If you have a diamond grading certificate and valuation certificates include the detail of these in your listing.

Ready to sell your diamond? Click here for eBay's Sell Your Item Form.

Ready to find your perfect diamond? Click here to browse diamonds on eBay.
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