There are 4 characteristics that determine a diamond's beauty and value. The weight of a diamond is measured in Carats. One Carat is divided into 100 points, so for example a diamond of 0.50 Carats is 50 points. Colour Diamonds come in a range of natural colours from totally colourless, which are very rare and very valuable, to light yellow with various colour shadings in between. Diamonds also occur in 'fancy' colours such as pink, blue and green which are extremely rare and command a high price.
Most diamonds contain tiny inclusions that make each diamond unique.
These inclusions maybe other minerals that have been trapped in the crystallisation process or they might be bits of carbon that haven't fully crystallised. Even though inclusions neither mar the diamond's beauty nor endanger its durability the fewer and smaller they are the more the diamond will sparkle and the more valuable it is likely to be. Cut Of all the four characteristics that determine a diamond's value, cut is the one most directly influenced by man. When cut to perfection proportions a diamond is better able to handle light, creating more brilliance and sparkle to the naked eye and consequently commanding a higher value. Diamonds are cut into many shapes, the most popular of which are round brilliant, princess, heart, marquise, pear, emerald and oval.