There are many ways to classify diamonds. Here are some common classification methods:
Classification by formation method:
Naturally formed diamonds: Generally, the more expensive diamonds on the market are formed by crystallization over time in an environment with extremely high temperature and air pressure (usually an oxygen-deficient environment). The oldest diamonds found are 4.5 billion years old.
Artificial diamonds: With the development of technology, many artificial diamonds have appeared on the market. High-end artificial diamonds are made by artificial methods, mainly using two technologies: high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). There are also many people who can make imitation diamonds through materials such as glass, spinel, zircon, strontium titanate, etc., and the value of such diamonds is generally low.
Classification by diamond 4C grade:
Weight: Diamonds are classified by weight. The heavier the weight of the diamond, the greater the value of the diamond. The unit used to measure the weight of diamonds is carat (ct), and 1 carat is equal to 2 grams. The 10 points and 30 points we usually say are to divide 1 carat into 100 parts, each part is 1 point, that is, 10 points is 0.1 carat, 30 points is 0.3 carat, and so on.
Color: Diamonds are divided by color. The color here refers to the depth of color rather than the color type below. The type of diamond is determined according to the depth of the diamond color. The closer the diamond is to colorless, the more collectible it is. From D-grade diamonds to Z-grade diamonds, the color tone becomes deeper and deeper. D-F is the colorless level, G-J is the near-colorless level, and diamonds below K lose their collectible value. The following are some of the main color grades:
- D-grade: completely colorless, the highest grade.
- E-grade: colorless, but only experts can detect very slight color under certain conditions.
- F-grade: colorless, only experts can detect very slight color under certain conditions.
- G-H-grade: nearly colorless, ordinary observers can hardly detect the color.
- I-J-grade: nearly colorless, but ordinary observers may detect slight color under certain light.
- K-M-grade: slightly colored, the color begins to become obvious.
- N-R: obviously colored, the color is very obvious.
- S-Z: very dark color, usually used for special purposes.
Clarity: refers to the purity of the diamond inside, mainly divided into the following grades:
- FL (Flawless): completely flawless, no flaws inside and outside.
- IF (Internally Flawless): internally flawless, but there may be very small flaws on the outside.
- VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): very slight flaws, very difficult to detect.
- VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included): slight flaws, need to be magnified to observe.
- SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included): slight flaws, visible to the naked eye.
- I1-I3 (Included): obvious flaws, affecting the beauty of the diamond.
Classification by color:
White diamond: White diamond is the most common diamond on the market, and almost all diamond-set jewelry uses white diamonds.
Colored diamonds: Colored diamonds are diamonds with significant colors or rare natural colored diamonds. Common colored diamonds include yellow, orange, red, pink, green, purple, etc.
Classification by cutting shape:
Round: Round diamonds are the most common diamond shape, which can maximize the fire and brightness of diamonds.
Princess: The second most common cutting shape of square diamonds is a square. Its four corners are usually cut into right angles, with a unique square appearance.
Oval: The shape of an oval diamond is similar to a circle, but the shape is longer, which can make the fingers look more slender. Its length and width ratio is usually between 1.33:1 and 1.66:1.
Marquise: Marquise diamonds are also called horse eye diamonds. Their shape is similar to an olive pit, with pointed ends and wide in the middle.
Heart: The shape of a heart-shaped diamond is a heart, which is often used to express love and romance.
Pear: The shape of a pear-shaped diamond is similar to a pear, with one end pointed and the other end rounded, similar to a teardrop shape.
Triangle: The shape of a triangular diamond is a triangle, and its three corners are usually cut into sharp angles.
Emerald: The shape of an emerald diamond is similar to that of an emerald gemstone, and its edges are usually cut in a step-like shape.
Cushion: The cushion shape is similar to an oval, but the corners are more rounded.
Radiant: The radiant shape combines the characteristics of the round and princess cuts, with a high degree of fire.
From the PandasJewelry Team
