Diamonds

The diamond is perhaps the most valuable gemstone on earth as it is a form of pure carbon. Its history as one extends from thousands of years in the past to form the basis of current detailed methods practiced in cutting and appraising diamond. The dispersion of white light into spectral colors, is the primary gemological characteristic of gem diamonds. In the twentieth century, experts in the field of gemology developed methods of grading diamonds and other gemstones based on the characteristics most important to their value as a gem. Four characteristics, known informally as the four Cs, are now commonly used as the basic descriptors of diamonds: these are carat, cut, color, and clarity. Other characteristics influence the value or appearance of a gem diamond. These include the presence of flourescence. Cleanliness also dramatically affects a diamond's beauty.