Diamond Grading

A diamond's cost depends upon an objective characteristics knows simply as the 4C’s: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat. The relationship between these 4 characteristics determines the value of a diamond. Our diamond grading charts will help you visualize the realtionship between rarity and cost. Although it is commonly assumed that Clarity is the most important member of the 4C’s, color, cut and clarity have a much greater impact on the appearance of a diamond.

Diamond Color Grades

When shopping for a diamond, it is generally preferred to have the least amount of color possible. Diamond color is divided into five broad categories:

Colorless Diamonds (D-F):

Diamonds within the colorless range are the most rare and valuable of all the colors. D/E color stones display virtually no color, whereas F colored diamonds will display a nearly undetected amount of color when viewed face down by a gemologist.

Near Colorless Diamonds (G-J):

Diamonds within the near colorless range appear colorless in the face up position, but do display a slight amount of color when viewed face down against a perfectly white background. This trace amount of color will be undetectable to an untrained eye once the diamond has been mounted. Near colorless diamonds offer a tremendous value for the money.

Diamond Clarity Grades

GIA has provided us with a universally understood method of describing clarity grades for diamond. There are five main clarity grades that can be found on your GIA or AGSL report.

• FL/IF Diamonds:
  Flawless: No inclusions under 10x.
  Internally Flawless: None or only insignificant surface blemishes and no inclusions when examined under 10x. Normally, most blemishes can be removed by minor polishing. Very rare, beautiful and expensive diamonds.
• VVS1/VVS2 Diamonds: Very Very Slightly Included: Contain minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for an experienced grader to locate under 10x magnification. VVS diamonds are very rare and beautiful.
• VS1/VS2 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included: Contain minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. Typical VS inclusions are small crystals, feathers or distinct clouds. In some rare cases, a VS stone can contain an eye visible inclusion. Excellent quality diamonds.
• SI1/SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included: Inclusions are easily visible under 10x magnification to an experienced gemologist and may be visible with the unaided eye. A great value.
• I1/I2/I3 Diamonds: Included: Diamonds with significant inclusions. Best suited for use in diamond jewelry.

Diamond Cut Grading

A diamond's cut is not only about its shape, but how effectively the stone can return light back to the viewer's eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and fiery, while more poorly cut stones can appear dark and lifeless.
Each and every diamond has its own unique set of properties and proportions:

• Diameter: Width of a polished stone, measured from edge to edge
• Table: Largest polished facet located on the top of the diamond
• Crown: The top part of a diamond extending from the table to the girdle
• Girdle: The very edge of the diamond where the crown and pavilion meet
• Pavilion: The bottom part of a diamond extending from the girdle down to the culet
• Depth: The total height of a diamond measured from the table to the culet
• Culet: The small or pointed facet at the very bottom of a polished stone

Diamond Weight Grades

The size of a diamond is proportional to the carat weight of a diamond. When rough diamonds are cut and polished into finished diamonds, as much as 2/3 of the total carat weight may be lost. Since larger rough gems of high quality are found less frequently than smaller rough gems of high quality, a single two carat diamond will be more expensive than 2 one carat diamonds of the same quality.

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