1800 425 1869Buying Guide
Buying a diamond is a significant purchase, both emotionally and financially. However, it does not have to be intimidating. We offer 10 basic steps to ensure that the journey to understanding the perfect diamond is as pleasurable as admiring one.
Diamonds are weighed in carats with one carat weighing 0.200 grams. A carat is divided into 100 points, which means that a diamond of 50 points (or cents) weighs 0.50 or half of a carat. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very different prices, depending on the other criteria listed here. Carat weight is the most obvious of the 4Cs, as you would normally expect a larger diamond to be worth more.
Birthmarks are a key measure of overall diamond quality. Because they are created deep within the earth, most diamonds contain unique birthmarks called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). Diamonds without these clarity characteristics are rare and rarity translates to a higher price when purchasing diamonds. Using the GIA Diamond Grading System, the C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons Gemological Laboratory provide various clarity ratings.
| No visible defects inside or outside | No visible defects | Very, very small inclusion | Very small inclusion | Small inclusion | Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL | IF | VVS1 VVS2 |
VS1 VS2 |
SL1 SL2 |
11 12 13 |
| Extremely rare rating | Rare rating | Fine diamonds | Quality diamond in large sizes | Budget diamonds | Poor |
Some of the inclusions observed in diamonds are:
- a) Cloudiness: Milky and lacks transparency
- b) Naturals: Part of original 'skin' of a diamond crystal
- c) Mineral inclusions: Inclusion of various minerals that serve as 'birthmarks'
- d) Feathers: Cleavage lines of various sizes
- e) Abraded culets: Culets that are worn-out in transit
- f) Chips/breaks: Caused by improper handling in transit
RARE
ABUNDANT
Diamonds with a higher clarity rating are historically known to appreciate more in value over time than those with a lower clarity rating. Diamonds up to VS2 in clarity have inclusions that the untrained eye would find difficult to see.
This is another key attribute in the price value determination of diamonds. Colourless diamonds are extremely rare and very valuable - most are nearly colourless with yellow or brown tints. The GIA Diamond Grading System uses letters to represent colours, beginning with D (colourless) and ending at Z (light yellow or brown). Many of these colour distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye but these slight colour differences make a difference in price. D, E, F and G are the most sought after colours at C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons for smaller diamonds, goes up to H for larger diamonds. Diamonds below H and I may be opted for when size and value matters. Coloured diamonds beyond Z are termed 'Fancy' and become highly prized.
We ensure that our diamonds are cut for beauty rather than weight maximization. The ‘Light Performance and Effect Analysis’. Report substantially proves the superiority of our diamonds when it comes to cut and this demonstration is offered to our clients from the most sophisticated technology available in the world today.
Some of the deviations observed include:
- a) Incorrect number of facets
- b) Mis-shapen or misaligned facets
- c) Thick girdles, thereby weighing and costing more
- d) Deep or shallow depths
- e) Incorrect relationship between the top and bottom of the diamond
Every diamond over quarter of a carat from C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons is also laser-inscribed on the girdle with the letters CKC, along with the lab initials and the diamond's unique Diamond Grading Report number which provides verification if the diamond is ever lost, switched or stolen. Further, under the Laser Persona™ programme, personalised messages and/or initials or dates can be inscribed, if specified, before the setting process of the jewellery. This is subject to availability of space on the diamond.
Understand or have explained the Diamond Report. Our Relationship Managers will gladly oblige to help you make a brilliant decision.
Trust the C. Krishniah Chetty Family to select the best gem diamonds for their inventory, thereby giving you the stamp of quality on every diamond you select at the store. The range of diamonds, the international liaisons and associations of C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons together provide you a one-stop diamond destination.
- The finest diamonds find their way onto the shelves of C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons. We bring them to you under a separate collection appropriately called ‘RED’ – Rare and Exclusive Diamonds.
- WHY RED? Because when our experienced eyes examine these splendid gemstones, we realize they offer the finest qualities that any superior gem can offer. The Finest sparkle and the rarest Colour.
- These are the rarest of the rare & ideal for collectors and connoisseurs. The next time you shop for diamonds ask for RED diamonds. They are limited in supply. Only a few surface every year. Which is why we cannot take specific orders. As part of our 140th year, we bring you these magnificent diamonds with appropriate documentation.
This report accompanies all diamonds in the “CKC Magnificient Diamonds” collection only.
When exposed to ultraviolet light rays some diamonds turn yellow, blue and pink, among other hues. Although this is part of the natural reaction, excessive show of such fluorescence has a negative impact on the transparency of the diamond. GIA grades diamonds on fluorescence from None to Faint to Medium to Strong to Very Strong. Strong to Very Strong fluorescence is best avoided, unless the size and value matters. The effect is however, magical.
- Diamonds are remarkably durable, resistant to scratching except by another diamond, and maintain their brilliant fire extremely well. These qualities make a diamond well suited to regular wear. However, even a diamond is not indestructible. A diamond may chip or crack if it receives a sharp blow, or if the jewellery were to fall on the floor.
- Because diamonds tend to pick up grease and oils they should be wiped with a lint-free special diamond cleaning cloth. C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons will issue you one normally with the purchase of your jewellery). Other methods for safe cleaning include warm water, mild, non-greasy non-moisturizing soap, and a soft toothbrush or a commercial cleaning solution. Desktop compact ultrasonic cleaners, now available at C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons, are also suitable for periodic cleaning.
- We recommend that you bring your diamond jewellery to us for a free inspection once every two years to check for loose prongs or settings. This will protect the diamonds in case they become loose due to wear and time.
- Closed-back design jewellery (normally made in 22KT gold) may accumulate traces of oils or water at the bottom of the setting (due to minute crevices) over time. Such jewellery will need to be remade into new jewellery. The diamonds will have to be removed from their settings and mounted afresh to bring back the glitter. Regularly wiping the diamonds will give all jewellery a lasting and appealing brilliance.
- We strongly advise that all jewellery be removed while going to bed and while bathing.
