Diamond Education - Carat Cut Color Clarity -  Learn About Diamonds

This page was designed to give you the basics on Diamond Cut Color Clarity and Carat, without making it too difficult to understand. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact www.shoppingsense.ca

Cut - The cut of a diamond is the only factor that we, as humans, can control. An ideal cut allows the diamond's natural brilliance and fire to shine through and increases the gem's value as well. The better a diamond's cut the more brilliant it will shine. If a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light is lost through the sides or bottom of the gem making it less brilliant, even dull. This causes the diamond to be less valuable as well because it is not as beautiful and pleasing to the eye as a more precisely cut diamond. We have only the highest quality diamonds for you as we personally hand select each diamond in our inventory. Every diamond we choose displays its own unique radiance and sparkle ~ evidence of a master craftsman's cutting expertise. The diagram below indicates measurements which make up a fine cut diamond and create true fire and intensity in the gem. These are good guidelines to follow when considering a diamond purchase.     Color - A diamond's true color is determined by viewing it from its side under balanced white light. Diamonds can range from colorless, which are extremely rare, to a light yellow, brown or gray color. And sometimes we see a natural blue or pink diamond which is extremely rare. Diamonds graded D, E, and F are more rare and therefore more expensive; however, well cut diamonds of other color grades can be equally dazzling. The 4 C's work together, not individually, in determining what makes a diamond beautiful. As the chart below indicates, diamonds are graded by color on a scale from D to Z. Most diamonds appear white or clear to the naked eye; however most of them do display a barely noticeable tint of color. Looking at different diamonds beside one another will help you get a better idea of how to evaluate them on the grading scale. One of our diamond experts will gladly assist you in this process and show you that by comparing individual gems, you really can choose your perfect diamond.     Clarity - Most diamonds have natural identifying characteristics sometimes referred to as inclusions. Some of these characteristics include lines, crystals and feathers which developed in the diamond during its formation. Many are not detectible by the naked eye, but can be seen under a jewelers magnifying microscope. Diamond clarity is determined by the absence of these inclusions and their location in side the diamond, as seen in the drawings below. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the diamond will be graded, and the more light it will reflect, making it more valuable. Since it is very rare to find a diamond that has no inclusions, the closer to flawless it is the greater the value. THERE ARE 2 MAJOR CLARITY GRADING SCALES USED THIS IS THE CLARITY GRADING SCALE USED BY ALL GEMOLOGY LABORATORIES EXCEPT THE G.I.A. IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 SI3 I1 I2 I3 FLAWLESS DIFFICULT TO SEE INCLUSIONS UNDER 10x MAGNIFICATION INCLUSIONS VISIBLE ONLY UNDER 10x MAGNIFICATION INCLUSIONS BARELY VISIBLE TO NOT VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE INCLUSIONS VISIBLE TO NAKED EYE THIS IS THE CLARITY GRADING SCALE USED BY THE G.I.A. THE DIFRFERENCE IS THAT THE G.I.A. DOES NOT HAVE AN "SI3" CLARITY GRADE.   Carat Weight - The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. As diamonds increase in value, their price per carat usually increases. Of course the larger a diamond, the rarer it is. Each carat is equal to 100 points. Therefore: a .75 carat diamond = a 75 point diamond = But once again, it's not just a diamonds carat weight or size that makes it valuable. All of the other components listed above must work together in creating a diamond you'll be proud to take home You are always welcome to contact us with any further information you need to assist you in your diamond purchase.