Information
on Diamonds
Color:
Many experts name color as the number one consideration
in choosing a diamond. A diamond's color is graded on
an alphabetical scale from D-Z, with D being absolutely
colorless and Z being light yellow. Beyond "Z",
a diamond is considered to be an exotic or "Fancy"
color.
Since color differences can be so subtle, they are impossible
to determine by the untrained eye. To grade a diamond,
gemologists often place it on a white background next
to another diamond that has been previously graded.
If all other factors are equal, the less color in a diamond
or the higher color rating, the more valuable a diamond
becomes. Likewise, as the amount of color increases, the
price of a diamond decreases.
Clarity:
All diamonds have identifying characteristics,
but most are invisible to the naked eye. To view a diamond,
experts use a 10x magnifying loupe which allows them to
see the appearance of tiny crystals, feathers or clouds.
These natural phenomena are called inclusions.There are
five categories in class that anyone interested in purchasing
a diamond should be aware of when grading clarity.
FL (Flawless) - IF (Internally Flawless)
Flawless Diamonds reveal no flaws on the surface or internally
are the rarest and most beautiful gems.
Internally Flawless Diamonds reveal no inclusions and
only insignificant blemishes on the surface under 10x
magnification.
VVS1 - VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included)
Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification.
These are excellent quality diamonds.
VS1 - VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
Only looking through a 10X loupe can pinpoint the inclusions
in this category and are nearly impossible to see with
the naked eye. These are less expensive than the VVS1
or VVS2 grades.
SI1 - SI3 (Slightly Included)
Diamonds with inclusions easily identified under 10x magnification.
Finding flaws in this category with the naked eye is difficult.
The gems in this category maintain their integrity, depending
on the location of the inclusions.
I1 - I3 (Included)
Diamonds with inclusions which may or may not be easily
seen by the naked eye. The flaws on the stones in this
category will have some effect on the brilliance of your
diamond.
Carat
Weight::
Carat is often confused with size even though it is a
measure of weight. The cut of a diamond can make it appear
larger or smaller than its actual weight. One carat is
the equivalent of 200 milligrams. One carat can be divided
into 100 "points". A .75 carat diamond is the
same as 75 points or a 3/4 carat diamond. Since larger
diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds, the value rises
exponentially with carat weight.
Cut:
Cut actually refers to two aspects of a diamond. The first
is its shape (round, marquise, etc) the second is how
well the cutting has been executed.
A diamond's cut will most certainly influence its fire
and brilliance, as well as its perceived size and even,
to some degree its apparent color. Different cuts reflect
light in different angles. A diamond must be cut in a
geometrically precise manner to maximize its brilliance.
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