Carat

On a typical evening, I sat on a comfortable couch and started sifting through a magazine when my son, Bala rushed into the living room carrying a number of pamphlets and sat next to me.

“Ma, I am so confused. I don’t know what to do. Please help me!” he gushed.

“Slow down dear, what is the matter?”

“I am planning to buy a diamond ring for her for our wedding anniversary.” He said in hushed tones, referring to lovely my daughter-in-law.

“Ok, so what is the issue in that?” I asked.

“I’ve been reading up about how to select good diamonds and I am so confused, Ma. I don’t know what Carat or what cut to buy.”

“First understand one thing: Carat is the weight of the diamond. A large Carat value is always welcome but keep in mind that a ring with large carat is expensive only if the stone is rare or if it is carved out of a single large crystal. Also, a heftier ring with large Carat does not mean brighter sparkle. The sparkle depends solely on how precise the cut is. So always concentrate more on how good the cut of the diamond is. Your father used to tell me that whenever he bought diamonds, he’d remember the 4Cs. Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat. Bright sparkle depends on cut, lack of blemishes for clarity, colour of the diamond to not be too bright or too dull and weight of the stone using Carat. Focus on these points and buy what you like.”

“Wow, thank you so much Ma, I have a better idea now. I have probably saved a ton of money by listening to you and not buying the wrong piece!” he laughed

“Ok, so now that you have saved the money, why not buy a splendid solitaire diamond ring for my lovely daughter-in-law and not to mention a beautiful pair of diamond earrings for your mother?” I asked jokingly.

“Ha ha, why not! Why don’t you come along Ma, you could select your earrings, and also help me in picking out the ring!”

“That’s a nice idea. Let’s go.”