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Diamonds are graded and priced according to the "four C's": - Cut: Describes the proportions of a diamond; thecut is considered the most important factor in its beauty and value.
- Color: Interferes with the way a diamond reflectsand refracts light; thus the less color in a diamond, the more valuable itusually is.
- Clarity: By nature, almost all diamonds have tinyflaws. The fewer there are, the more valuable the diamond.
- Carat: The size of a diamond is expressed in caratweight. In general, the value of a diamond rises significantly with caratweight.
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The round-shaped so-called "brilliant" cut, with its 58 facets, has traditionally been the most popular way to display a diamond's brilliance and beauty. When a diamond is cut well, it allows the most light to be reflected back up through its top.
In addition to round-shaped brilliant cuts, diamonds are cut into other shapes, including oval, marquise, emerald-cut, pear-shaped, Princess cut and trilliant. There are several ways to judge a diamond's cut.
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Many diamonds now come with certificates from independent gem laboratories that contain detailed, unbiased information about a diamond's physical characteristics. Certificates are an important consumer safeguard, authenticating a diamond's specifications and confirming that a diamond matches what a salesperson claims it is. Certificates also are useful for insurance purposes. Alternatively, verification of a diamond's specifications can be made by an independent appraiser with a background in gemology. Appraisals also are useful to obtain insurance, even for diamonds that have a certificate.
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- Don't wear it during rough activity.
- Don't let it smash against other jewelry.
- Avoid contact with chlorine bleach, which can harm thesetting.
- Clean your diamond regularly with dishwashing soap or acommercial liquid jewelry cleaner.
- Check with your jeweler once a year to repair loose settings.
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