DIAMOND'S CARAT

Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 points, This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweler may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its points alone. For instance, the jeweler may refer to a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats as a twenty-five pointer. Diamond weights greater than one carat are expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat stone would be described as one point oh eight carats. All else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values and prices depending on three other factors of the diamond 4Cs: Clarity, Color, and Cut. It is important to remember that a diamonds value is determined using all of the 4Cs, not just carat weight.

DIAMOND'S COLOR

The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. D-to-Z diamond color-grading system measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to masterstones stones of established color value.

Color grading scale is the industrys most widely accepted grading system. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues, with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z.

Many of these color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.

DIAMOND'S CLARITY

 

Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes.

Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value.

Clarity scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.

Flawless (FL)
No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification

Internally Flawless (IF)
No inclusions visible under 10x magnification

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification

Included (I1, I2, and I3)
Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. To the naked eye, a VS1 and an SI2 diamond may look exactly the same, but these diamonds are quite different in terms of overall quality. This is why expert and accurate assessment of diamond clarity is extremely important.

DIAMOND'S CUT

Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamonds cut as shape round, emerald, pear but a diamonds cut grade is really about how well a diamonds facets interact with light.

Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.

A diamonds cut is crucial to the stones final beauty and value. And of all the diamond 4Cs, it is the most complex and technically difficult to analyze.

To determine the cut grade of the standard round brilliant diamond the proportions of those facets that influence the diamonds face-up appearance are calculated. These proportions allow to evaluate how successfully a diamond interacts with light to create desirable visual effects such as:

Brightness: Internal and external white light reflected from a diamond

Fire: The scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow

Scintillation: The amount of sparkle a diamond produces, and the pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond

Diamond cut grade also takes into account the design and craftsmanship of the diamond, including its weight relative to its diameter, its girdle thickness (which affects its durability), the symmetry of its facet arrangement, and the quality of polish on those facets.

Cut scale for standard round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z diamond color range contains 5 grades ranging from Excellent to Poor.

DIAMOND'S CERTIFICATION

Diamond certificates, or grading reports, as they are known in the diamond industry, are often called the fifth C, in addition to the well-known 4Cs of diamond stones: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
A diamond certificate is a report created by a team of gemologists. The diamond is evaluated, measured, and scrutinized using trained eyes, a jewelers loupe, a microscope,and other industry tools. A completed certificate includes an analysis of the diamonds dimensions, clarity, color,  cut grade, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics.