by: Michael Moore
Diamond appraisal is a vital activity for any new diamond buyer. Diamond Appraisal is a method whereby an expert diamond appraiser, or experienced diamond examiner, does a series of inspections of the various qualities of a diamond to establish the grade of the diamond which then helps to set its actual value.
Such things as the color and clarity, for example, of the diamond are inspected with sophisticated equipment and the diamond is compared with a number of other diamonds whose characteristics are known and established.
Each quality can be measured and the appraiser has a chart of the various gradings that can be attributed to each characteristic.
For example. Fluorescence has the following grades, each of which, when established, would affect the overall value of the diamond.
Fluorescence
N, NO, NON, - No Fluorescence
F, FB, FT, FA, - Faint or Faint Blue Fluorescence
SL, SLB, SLT, - Slight Fluorescence
M, MO, ME, MD - Medium or Moderate Fluorescence
S, ST, STB, STG, - Strong Fluorescence
E, EX, EXB, EF, - Extreme Fluorescence
A diamond with extreme fluorescence would have a great value than that with little or no fluorescence.
Other characteristics such as color, polish, symmetry, girdle, clarity among others, are all taken into account when a diamond is being assessed or evaluated.
When a diamond has been appraised, a certificate is issued which outlines the gradings of the various qualities of the diamond. The appraiser, however, does not value the diamond. He simply shows the grading of the various qualities such as color, clarity, cut and of course carat weight, among others. An independent jeweler can give an estimate of the value based upon the appraisal. One could even get a very good idea oneself by browsing online and doing a comparative study of the various gradings of the diamonds available online.
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