"For ages, the diamond has stood as the ultimate passion of humankind and a timeless symbol of immortality. Legend tells that even Eros, the God of Love, tipped his arrows with a diamond—ensuring that the magic of love would be breathtaking and lovers would remain eternal. This precious gem of the earth was meticulously cut to capture an infinite radiance, evolving into the brilliant diamond we cherish today. A masterpiece reflecting pure essence and clarity..."
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The significance of the 4Cs in diamond selection:
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There are specific characteristics to consider when selecting a diamond. These are universally known as the "4Cs":
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Carat Weight
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Color
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Clarity
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Cut
Carat Weight
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The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. Carat weight is the most easily quantifiable characteristic of a diamond. The term "carat" originates from the "carob" seed, which ancient gem merchants used as a reference to weigh their diamonds. The weight of these seeds is remarkably consistent; in the past, a one-carat diamond was equal to the weight of a single carob seed. Today, the carat is a standardized metric measurement equivalent to 0.2 grams (200 mg). Each carat is divided into 100 equal points. For instance, a quarter-carat is 25 points and is denoted as 0.25 ct. In Turkish, these points are often referred to as "santim." It is important to note that two diamonds of equal carat weight do not necessarily share the same value, as their price is determined by the synergy of all the 4Cs.
Color
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Diamonds are formed under extreme heat and pressure; during this natural process, traces of other elements can become part of their atomic structure, creating a diverse range of colors. These particles are so minuscule that they are measured in "parts per million." The diamond spectrum ranges from deep yellow to a vivid, brilliant white.
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Diamonds are graded based on how closely they approach being colorless. The rarest and whitest stones are categorized as D, E, F, and G, while the vast majority of diamonds fall within the H-L color range. Stones graded M and below exhibit a yellowish tint visible to the naked eye. On the other hand, there are exceptionally rare diamonds known as "Fancy" colors, which possess distinct hues such as red, pink, blue, and yellow.
Clarity
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While a diamond's color is measured by its tint, its clarity is defined by its internal purity. The most precious diamonds are those that approach perfect colorlessness and flawlessness; they are exceptionally rare and highly valued. In nature, finding a completely "clean" diamond is nearly impossible. Every diamond contains microscopic particles of pure carbon, often referred to as "nature’s fingerprints." These internal characteristics are known as "inclusions," and they are what transform each diamond into a rare and unique gemstone.
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The clarity characteristic distinguishes every diamond from all others. It is impossible to find two diamonds that possess identical inclusions in the exact same location. This unique internal map ensures that every diamond is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of nature.
Cut
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Cut refers to the symmetry, proportions, and dimensions of the gemstone. It is the defining factor that determines a diamond's brilliance and its ability to refract light. A diamond's dazzling sparkle depends entirely on the craftsmanship of the cut and the technology utilized. Even if a stone possesses perfect color and clarity, a poor cut will result in a dull appearance; therefore, the cut is the most critical characteristic to prioritize.
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The finer the cut, the more intensely the diamond will radiate light. In a diamond cut with precise proportions, light entering from one facet reflects off the others and disperses through the top of the stone, known as the "crown." A well-cut diamond consists of facets angled perfectly to maximize its fire and brilliance. If the cut is too deep, light escapes through the bottom, known as the "pavilion." Conversely, if the cut is too shallow, light also leaks through the pavilion, causing the diamond to lose its luster and sparkle.
The Transformation from Diamond to Brilliant
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"Diamond" is the name given to the natural mineral in its raw state. When this mineral is shaped using the traditional "rose cut" (historically known as the "diamond cut"), the resulting gemstone is also referred to as a "diamond." However, when the raw mineral is meticulously crafted into a specialized form with a greater number of facets and a dome-like base, it transforms into the infinitely more radiant "brilliant-cut diamond" (pırlanta).
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Essentially, a brilliant-cut diamond is the raw mineral that has been sculpted into a specific, light-optimizing shape. The gemstone is named either "diamond" or "brilliant" based strictly on its cut and geometry.
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While traditional diamonds typically feature fewer facets and a flat base, there is a common misconception that they are more valuable than brilliant-cut diamonds; in reality, the opposite is true.
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