The characteristics of diamonds

To ensure the best quality diamonds, most major gemological laboratories take 4 factors into consideration: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. At AGUAdeORO, we offer a very high quality selection of diamonds.

Carat weight

The weight of diamonds is given in a metric measure called a carat. One carat (ct) is equivalent to 200 milligrams. The metric carat is also divided into 100 points and is generally used for diamonds under one carat. Above one carat, gems are defined by carats and points. We indicate on each piece of jewellery the carat weight of the main stone and the total carat weight of the set stones.

The colours

Diamonds are found in a wide range of hues from colourless (D) - extremely rare - to slight tones of yellow or brown (Z). The D-F scale is the one usually used byAGUAdeORO , unless our customers request otherwise.

Fluorescence is the visible light that diamonds emit when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Blue is the most common fluorescent colour but it can also be white, yellow or orange. It may not affect the diamond but can have an influence depending on the other characteristics chosen. To understand this characteristic, our experts are at your disposal.

The cup

The cut determines how a diamond captures and reflects light. The better the cut, the more reflections, sparkle and light the diamond will have. It is also important to consider polish and symmetry, two attributes that are essential to the diamond's value. Gemological laboratories classify these attributes according to the scale: "excellent", "very good", "good" and "fair".

Clarity

The degree of clarity of a diamond is determined by the number and type of inclusions (features) found in the diamond. These characteristics appear during its formation, and make each diamond a unique gemstone. A diamond will be best graded when, when viewed through a 10x magnification loupe, these features are only slightly visible. A diamond will be considered "internally pure" if observation through the same magnifying glass does not reveal any characteristics