Fine Jewelry: What To Look For

Is cut more important than clarity when appraising diamonds? You could spend hours speculating on the merits of one over the other. However, to get a definite answer, you need to understand the relationship between the two. More importantly, you'll need to consider what you really value in fine jewelry.

A diamond's cut alludes to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. Diamonds can be cut in such a way that it attains its highest selling price, or maximizes its capacity for brilliance. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, alludes to the quantity of imperfections a diamond has. Fewer imperfections make a higher quality diamond, which will make it both more beautiful and expensive.

Clearly, the skill with which a diamond has been cut will alter its clarity. In the process of producing a diamond, this is one of the few factors which can be controlled. Only the most precise craftsmanship can guarantee that a raw piece of diamond will be recut into fine jewelry.

On the other hand, the clarity of diamonds can be poor independent of the quality of the cut. Clarity is also reliant on the quality of the raw diamond. As a buyer, you need to be mindful of this and put any diamonds you intend to buy under a microscope or loupe to check for flaws yourself.

When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how vital it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. It will also become more apparent just how closely cut and clarity are connected to each other. Round cuts are known for having the most potential for brilliance above all other cuts. Any errors in the cut or internal flaws, even minor, will reduce that potential considerably.

Do you want to buy fine jewelry? Do you prefer a diamond with the best cut, or the highest clarity? You cannot ignore either factor. However, you can look at the cut first, since it affects clarity, as well as carat weight. Prioritizing one of the four C's over the others is counterproductive, if you lack a basic education on diamonds.

A diamond's cut pertains to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, pertains to the amount of imperfections a diamond has. When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how vital it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. Only the most exacting craftsmanship can ensure that a raw piece of diamond will be made into fine jewelry.

-Lorraine Jacobs