Carat weight is the standard measure of a diamond's size. Each carat is equal to 100 points. Thus, a 0.50-carat diamond is the same as a 50-point or ½ carat stone. Diamonds of equal carat weight may vary greatly in brilliance depending on their symmetry and cut, so carat weight alone cannot determine a diamonds worth.

The combined carat weight of a grouping of several smaller stones is not as valuable as a single stone of the same carat weight.

Note: Carat is a measurement of WEIGHT, not SIZE and so the overall diameter (mm) could differ slighter larger or smaller even though the carat weight is correct.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale of D through Z, based on the degree to which the diamond approaches colorlessness. While many diamonds may appear transparent to an untrained eye, the majority of stones contain slight tints of color. Salvatore and Company can demonstrate the different grades of diamonds by showing stones side-by-side..

By rare accidents of nature, diamonds may occur in color which are called Fancies. Fancy colored diamonds are much sought after because of their extreme rarity, particularly yellows, pinks and blues. Their quality is judged by the intensity of the hue, and unlike white diamonds, the more color the rarer the stone.

Clarity refers to the number of imperfections, or inclusions that exist within a diamond. Virtually all diamonds contain identifying characteristics or birthmarks, most of them too small to see with the naked eye. These so called "inclusions", when viewed under magnification may look like feathers, clouds or crystals.

Diamonds with the fewest inclusions possess the most clarity and are the most valuable. In general, the greater the number and size of inclusions the lower the clarity grade and less rare the diamond.

A polished diamond’s beauty lies in its complex relationship with light: how light strikes the surface, how much enters the diamond, and how, and in what form light returns to your eye.
The result is a magnificent display of three attributes.

Brightness is the combination of all white light reflecting from the surface and interior of a diamond.

Fire describes the “flares” of color emitted from a diamond.

Scintillation describes the flashes of light you see when the diamond, the light, or the observer moves.

A polished diamond’s proportions affect its light performance, which in turn affects its beauty and overall appeal. Diamonds with fine proportions, symmetry, and polish optimize their interaction with light, and have increased brightness, fire, and scintillation.