Diamond Guide

Introduction to diamonds

Diamonds are evaluated for their quality based on several factors known as the "Four Cs":

  1. Cut: This refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond will reflect light beautifully, while a poorly cut diamond will appear dull. The cut is graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor.
  2. Color: Diamonds range in color from completely colorless (the most valuable) to slightly yellow or brown. Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
  3. Clarity: This refers to the presence of inclusions within the diamond and blemishes which are external flaws. The fewer and smaller the inclusions and blemishes, the higher the clarity. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless (no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) to Included (significant inclusions visible without magnification).
  4. Carat: This refers to the diamond's weight. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. The higher the carat weight, the more valuable the diamond is. However, two diamonds of the same carat weight can have very different values depending on the other three Cs.

In addition to these Four Cs, diamonds may also be evaluated based on other factors such as fluorescence (a glowing effect visible under UV light) and the diamond's shape (round, princess, pear, etc.).

It's important to keep in mind that the Four Cs are only one factor in determining a diamond's quality and value. The rarity and demand for a particular type of diamond can also impact its price.

The four C's in detail

A Diamonds' carat

Diamond carat weight is a measure of how much a diamond weighs, and it is an important factor in determining the value of a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or about 0.2 grams.

The carat weight of a diamond is often confused with its size, but these two factors are not the same. A diamond's size, or diameter, is measured in millimeters, while its carat weight is a measure of its mass. A diamond can appear larger or smaller based on its cut, which refers to the angles and proportions of the stone.

The price of a diamond increases with its carat weight, but other factors, such as clarity, color, and cut, also affect a diamond's value. A diamond with a higher carat weight will generally be more valuable than a diamond with a lower carat weight, but a smaller diamond with excellent clarity and cut can still be more valuable than a larger diamond with lower quality.

When shopping for diamonds, it's important to consider the overall quality of the stone, rather than just its carat weight. A diamond that is well-cut and has high clarity and color grades will have more sparkle and brilliance, which is what makes it truly beautiful.

Diamond Cut 

The cut of a diamond refers to the angles and proportions of the diamond's facets, as well as the diamond's symmetry and polish. A well-cut diamond will have proportions that allow it to reflect light internally and then disperse it through the top of the diamond, known as the "table." This results in the diamond appearing bright and sparkling.

There are several different types of diamond cuts, including the round brilliant cut, the princess cut, the emerald cut, and the cushion cut. Each type of cut is designed to maximize the diamond's reflective properties in a particular way.

The cut of a diamond is graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor. A diamond with an Excellent cut will have the most desirable balance of brightness, fire, and scintillation (sparkle). A diamond with a Poor cut will appear dull and lifeless.

It's important to note that the cut of a diamond is not the same as its shape (e.g. round, princess, pear). The cut refers to the diamond's internal angles and proportions, while the shape refers to the diamond's overall outline.

There are many different diamond cuts, each with its own unique characteristics and features. Some of the most popular diamond shapes include:

  1. Round Cut: This is the most popular diamond cut and is known for its classic, timeless look. The round cut has 58 facets, which helps to create maximum sparkle and brilliance.

  2. Princess Cut: This diamond cut is square or rectangular in shape and has a modern, contemporary look. It has many facets, which helps to create a lot of sparkle.

  3. Emerald Cut: This diamond cut is rectangular in shape and has a sleek, elegant appearance. It has fewer facets than other diamond cuts, which allows the diamond's natural clarity to shine through.

  4. Cushion Cut: This diamond cut is a soft, rounded rectangle with a vintage feel. It has a large open table, which allows the diamond to capture and reflect light in a unique way.

  5. Marquise Cut: This diamond cut is shaped like an elongated oval and has a classic, regal look. It has many facets, which helps to create a lot of sparkle.

  6. Oval Cut: This diamond cut is similar to the round cut, but it has a more elongated shape. It has a modern, elegant look and is known for its sparkling brilliance.

  7. Pear Cut: This diamond cut is shaped like a teardrop and has a unique, elegant look. It has a combination of round and marquise cuts, which creates a lot of sparkle.

  8. Heart Cut: This diamond cut is shaped like a heart and is a symbol of love and romance. It has a classic, elegant look and is known for its sparkling brilliance.

  9. Asscher Cut: This diamond cut is square in shape and has a vintage, Art Deco feel. It has a high crown, deep pavilion, and narrow step facets, which creates a unique, mesmerizing sparkle.

  10. Radiant Cut: This diamond cut is rectangular or square in shape and has a modern, contemporary look. It has a combination of the emerald cut's step facets and the round cut's brilliant facets, which creates a lot of sparkle and fire. The radiant cut is known for its excellent light performance and is a great choice for diamonds with inclusions or imperfections that you want to hide.

Diamond Clarity

The diamond clarity scale is a system that is used to grade the clarity of a diamond. It is based on the number, size, and placement of inclusions and blemishes within the diamond. Inclusions are internal imperfections, such as tiny crystals or cracks, while blemishes are external imperfections, such as scratches or chips.

The diamond clarity scale consists of six categories, which are as follows:

  1. Flawless (FL): A diamond that is graded as Flawless has no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. These diamonds are extremely rare and highly valuable.

  2. Internally Flawless (IF): A diamond that is graded as Internally Flawless has no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but it may have some surface blemishes. These diamonds are also very rare and valuable.

  3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): A diamond that is graded as VVS1 or VVS2 has very small inclusions that are difficult to see even under 10x magnification. These diamonds are of high quality and have a good balance of clarity and value.

  4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): A diamond that is graded as VS1 or VS2 has small inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification, but they are not visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are of good quality and offer a good balance of clarity and value.

  5. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): A diamond that is graded as SI1 or SI2 has inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are of lower quality and may not have as much sparkle and brilliance as higher clarity grades.

  6. Included (I1, I2, and I3): A diamond that is graded as I1, I2, or I3 has inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and may affect the diamond's overall appearance and value. These diamonds are of lower quality and may not be as desirable as higher clarity grades.

It's important to note that inclusions do not necessarily affect a diamond's durability or beauty. In fact, many diamonds with small, unobtrusive inclusions can appear just as beautiful as flawless diamonds. However, diamonds with fewer and smaller inclusions are generally more valuable because they are rarer.

Diamond Color

The diamond color scale is a system that is used to grade the color of a diamond. It is based on the absence of color in a diamond, with the highest grade being a completely colorless diamond. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

Colorless diamonds are highly prized because they allow light to pass through them more easily, resulting in a brighter, more sparkling appearance. Diamonds with a yellow or brown tint can still be beautiful, but they may appear less bright and sparkling than colorless diamonds.

The diamond color scale consists of the following categories:

  1. Colorless (D-F): Diamonds that are graded as D, E, or F are considered to be colorless. These diamonds are extremely rare and highly valuable.

  2. Near Colorless (G-J): Diamonds that are graded as G, H, I, or J are considered to be near colorless. These diamonds may have a slight hint of color, but it is not noticeable to the naked eye.

  3. Faint Color (K-M): Diamonds that are graded as K, L, or M have a faint hint of color that is noticeable when compared to higher grades. These diamonds are less valuable than colorless or near colorless diamonds.

  4. Very Light Color (N-R): Diamonds that are graded as N, O, P, Q, or R have a very light hint of color that is noticeable to the naked eye. These diamonds are of lower quality and value than higher grades.

  5. Light Color (S-Z): Diamonds that are graded as S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, or Z have a noticeable amount of color that is visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are of the lowest quality and value on the diamond color scale.

It's important to note that color grading is a subjective process and can vary slightly between laboratories. It's also important to keep in mind that the color of a diamond may appear differently in different lighting conditions and can be affected by the color of the setting and the surrounding diamonds.