Clarity
Cut
Color
Carat

Clarity
Clarity refers to the degree to which a diamond is devoid of inclusions and imperfections in
the crystal. When graded for clarity, diamonds are placed into one of five main categories or
groups, which then are further divided into subcategories.

The standard clarity grade categories are as follows:

FL and IF (flawless)
FL (flawless) and IF (internally flawless) are exceptionally rare diamonds, and in fact there
are those who claim that they do not really exist. Such stones, especially when their color is
also of a high grade, are often defined as "collectors" or "investment stones."

VVS1 and VVS2 (very, very small inclusions)
Diamond carrying such grades, generally are considered top-of-the line. Such diamonds
carry inclusions and imperfections that are very difficult to spot, even under the
magnification of a 10X loupe (a jeweler's magnifying glass that enlarges the image of the
diamond by 10 times). VVS1 is the better of the two grades.

VS1 and VS2 (very small inclusions)
Such diamonds are also considered exclusive. Here, inclusions and imperfections are still
practically invisible to the naked eye, but they can be detected with relative ease by a 10X
loupe. VS1 is the higher of the two grades

SI1 and SI2 (small inclusions)
In most quality jewelry stores, the majority of the diamonds sold belong to the SI clarity
grade group, with an SI stone considered by many to be the best compromise between cost
and clarity. The inclusions and imperfections are difficult to detect with the naked eye, and
normally do not detract from the stone's "face up" appearance. SI1 is the better grade of the
two.

I1, I2 and I3 (included)
With diamonds that fall in the I grade group, the inclusions and imperfections can be seen
relatively easily with the naked eye. Obviously, these goods are generally less expensive than
their higher-grade counterparts. Often, large stones of I clarity are purchased by those who
value the size of a stone above anything else. I1 is the highest of the three, followed by I2. (Top)

Cut
The term "cut" literally refers to the shapes and proportions of a polished diamond, which was fashioned from an irregularly shaped rough diamond. The quality of the cut (also referred to as "make") determines how much it sparkles. This sparkle, which is also called brilliance, depends on how the light, which enters the stone through its top (table facet), is refracted and reflected inside the stone and off its inner walls, before exiting the diamond once again. Master-cutters will apply accurate mathematical formulae to maximize these effects.

The classic round brilliant has 58 facets, designed to ensure that maximum amount of light is reflected out the top of the stone. But, if the diamond is not cut accurately, light will literally leak out of the diamond through its lower portion (pavilion). As a result, the stone will appear duller than it might have.

The widest circumference of a diamond is known as the girdle. Above the girdle of a brilliant cut diamond are 32 facets plus the table, which is the largest facet. Below the girdle are 24 facets plus the culet or point at the bottom.

Ideally, a round diamond will have a table that is 54% the width of the diamond and a depth that is 60% of the width of the diamond. However, only very few stones are cut to these ideal proportions, since a manufacturer generally prefers to retain a higher weight in the finished stone. In most cases, the cutting of an ideally proportioned stone means loosing more rough material. Therefore, ideal cut stones are more expensive than other stones of similar carat-weight, clarity and color.

The term "cut" is also used to describe the shape of a diamond. In addition to the round brilliant, other popular cuts include the emerald, marquis, pear, oval and square cut. (Top)

Color
Diamonds come in every color of the spectrum, but the most popular gems are white. Truly colorless, icy-white diamonds are extremely rare and therefore the most costly. Stones are graded by color and given designations dependent on how far they deviate from the purest white. Colorless stones are graded D. Color grading continues down through the alphabet, with each letter designating a more yellowish tint. The best way to see the true color of a diamond is by looking at it against a white surface. Although the great majority of diamonds come in shades of white, the gems also come in a spectrum of majestic colors, from red and canary yellow to blue, green and brown. These colorful diamonds, known as fancies, are valued for their depth of color, just as white diamonds are valued for their lack of color.

Colorless stones are expensive. When searching for an attractive stone, stones graded "J" and higher will look very nice. The color difference only really shows when compared side by side with a different stone. Color is very difficult to determine without good lighting conditions and without a so-called master set of color-graded stones to as a reference. Since color grading is so difficult, not all jewelers are accurate in their diamond grading. Even jewelers cannot always tell the difference between an "F" and a "G" or between an "H" and an "I", without continuous training. Unless you are an expert, you feel it is pertinent to purchase a certified - graded by an internationally recognized gemological laboratory - stone to make sure that you what you are told is what you get. (Top)

Carat
The word "carat" is used to indicate the weight measurement of a diamond. It is derived from an ancient Arab word "kirat," a word that designated the carob seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient history. A carat is equal to one fifth of a gram. A carat is further divided into points- there are 100 points in a carat. For some consumers, a diamond's size, expressed by the carat weight seems to be the most important feature. While size matters, a large diamond is not necessarily equivalent to a beautiful diamond. It is important to consider the quality other the other three C's-color, cut and clarity-of a diamond as well. For instance, for a diamond to be eligible for the 'Ideal Cut" title, a top cut grade is an absolute prerequisite. Our diamonds are certified! If a diamond is not certified, you can only hope that it has been graded accurately. It probably has not been. There is obviously a conflict of interest when a jewelry store grades their own diamonds. If someone is offering you a "deal that is too good to be true" make sure the diamond has been graded by an independant, unbiased source. If it hasn't been graded by GIA, IGI, or EGL, you may not be getting what you think. (Top)