Cut refers to the proportions, finish and the factors which determine the sparkle of the diamond. The cut of a diamond might be the most important of the four C’s because a good cut gives the diamond its brilliance. The diamond’s brilliance is determined by how the light disperses as it bounces and reflects within the diamond. The dispersion of the light produces different colors and the sparkle effect.

The angles and finish of any diamond are what determine its ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance.

The cuts can be shallow, deep, or ideal. The cut effects the price of the stone, and "ideal" is the best cut there is. A well cut diamond reflects the light internally from one facet to another and then disperses the light through the top (or table) of the stone back to the observer’s eye. Cuts that are too deep or too shallow lose light through the side or bottom, affecting the overall diamond brilliance. The diamond facets, when arranged in precise proportions, maximize the fire and brilliance of the diamond.

The shape of the diamond can also effect the reflection and dispersion of light. The round cut is the most brilliant and is often referred to as the brilliant cut. The symmetrical shape of the round diamond allows it to reflect all of the light entering the diamond.

When we speak of a diamond's clarity, we are referring to the presence of identifying characteristics on (blemishes) and within (inclusions) the stone.

Diamond Clarity is determined by how clear or clean the diamond is. Diamonds have natural tiny flaws known as inclusions. The tiny inclusions are created by fractures and minerals while the diamond is forming. The inclusions include air bubbles, cracks and non-diamond minerals found in the diamond.

As light enters the diamond it is reflected and refracted out. An inclusion disrupts the flow of light in the diamond and a very small portion of reflected light will be lost. Most inclusions are not visible to the observer’s eye unless magnified.

The clarity scale measures of the severity of the inclusions.

The following is the GIA Diamond clarity scale:

F: Flawless

Extremely Rare
These diamonds have no imperfections inside or on the outside of the stone under a loupe with a power 10 magnification.

IF: Internally Flawless

Very Rare
These diamonds have no inclusions under a loupe with a power 10 magnification.

VVS1, VVS2: Very Very Slight Inclusions

These diamonds have very small inclusions which are very difficult to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification.

VS1, VS2: Very Slight Inclusions

These diamonds have small inclusions which are slightly difficult to difficult to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification.

SI1, SI2: Slight Inclusions

These diamonds have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification, or visible to the naked eye.

I1, I2 and I3: Imperfect

These diamonds have inclusions which range from eye visible to very easily seen with the naked eye.

Like the other four C’s, clarity effects the price you will pay for a diamond. It is just as important for you to compare the clarity grades of two stones when you compare price. Diamonds with few or no inclusions are valued higher because they are rarer.

Diamond Color refers to the presence or absence of color in white diamonds. The color of a diamond is a result of the composition of the diamond. The color of a diamond will never change. Grading the color of a diamond is determined by how close the diamond’s color approaches colorlessness.

The less color of the diamond allows more light to pass through the diamond than a colored diamond. Colorless diamonds emit more sparkle and fiery brilliance. The whiter the diamond’s color the greater its value.

A diamond that does not have enough color to be graded fancy, is graded in a scale of colors ranging from Colorless to Light Yellow, "D" through "Z". A diamond with a "D" color is considered to be colorless. If the color is more intense than "Z", it is considered fancy. Most diamonds have at least a trace of yellow or brown body color. With the exception of some natural fancy colors, such as blue, pink, purple, or red, the colorless grade is the most valuable.

All of the diamonds we use in our jewelry are in the G-H-I range.

Carat Weight of a diamond is often confused as the size of the diamond. Carat refers to weight of the diamond. One Carat is the equivalent of 200 milligrams and can also be divided into 100 "points". A 0.50 carat diamond is the same as 50 points or 1/2 carat.

The size of a diamond has the biggest impact on its price. If other factors are equal, the more a stone weighs, the more you will pay for it. Larger diamonds are rarer and in more demand than smaller diamonds of the same quality. This factor raises the price of larger carat weight diamonds exponentially.

The abbreviation ct is a shortened way to write carat, and refers to the weight of the diamond.

* Don't confuse "carat weight" with "karat," the method of determining the purity of gold.

WEIGHTS & MEASURES
CONVERSION CHART

Compliments of
The International Gem Society