What Is Diamond Clarity?
When it comes to jewelry, there are many different things that can give a piece its value. Whether it is the brand, the jewelry maker/signature, how old it is, the condition of the piece, or a multitude of other factors, each little piece of the equation adds up to what the ultimate value of the piece is. If your vintage fine jewelry has diamonds, one important thing to consider the quality of the diamonds in the piece. After all, a smaller diamond with a higher grading may be more valuable than a larger diamond with a lower grading. There is a grading system that classifies diamonds based on a variety of factors. Below we take a closer look at how diamond clarity, cut, color, and grading is determined.
How Diamonds are Graded
It is important to understand that the same grading system is used for both antique or vintage diamonds as is used for contemporary diamonds. Forbes explains how diamonds are graded and the factors you should consider when choosing a diamond, “How a diamond is cut directly affects its brilliance or sparkle. “And the sparkle is why you’re buying a diamond,” says Baird. If you’re going to splurge on one of the four C’s, do so on the cut. A smaller-carat diamond can look bigger if it’s cut well. “I would try to purchase the highest cut grade within my budget, trading down on color and clarity if needed,” advises Baird. Although the cut of a diamond is an important measure of quality, some jewelers don’t openly reveal the cut rating. If they don’t, be sure to ask. A diamond’s color rating begins with the highest grade of a letter “D,” which is a colorless (white) diamond and continues to Z. Diamonds below a J rating will begin to show a hint of yellow. Most people start to see a color difference in the I to J range, so you don’t necessarily need to buy a D-rated diamond…Flaws in the diamond, such as minerals or laser lines (from when the diamond is cut), are called “inclusions.” Consider an “eye-clean” diamond, meaning it appears flawless to the naked eye.
Buying Vintage Diamond Jewelry
It is important to shop with an experienced and reputable jeweler when purchasing vintage diamond jewelry. In an ideal circumstance, your jeweler would have a gemstone report and other paperwork that certifies your signed vintage jewelry piece as authentic. Vintage diamond jewelry is one of the most luxurious investments you can make and not only will it be one that is dazzling to look at, but it is also one that will likely appreciate over time!
