Carat
The weight of a diamond is determined in carats. The word “carat” originally came from the carob tree or Ceratonia siliqua. The small seeds from this tree are well known for their uniformity and consistent weight. Traditionally diamonds and gemstones were weighed against these seeds until the system was standardized, and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams. One carat is divided into 100 points. A diamond weighing one quarter of a carat can also be described as weighing 25 points or 0.25 carats. Points are generally not used to describe weights over one carat. It is very important not to mistake carat weight as referring to the dimensions of a diamond. It refers to weight only.
Clarity
The diamonds Clarity refers to how clean a diamond is. Often a diamond has imperfections which are present in its rough state. The clarity scale is used to measure how great those imperfections or "inclusions" are.
Clarity is determined using a very complex method of determining the size, location, and visibility of inclusions.
The Clarity Scale is a follows:
FL-Flawless:
Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10 x magnifications when observed by an experienced grader.
IF-Internally Flawless:
Have no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader, but will have some minor blemishes.
VVS1, VVS2 - Very Very Slightly Imperfect:
Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10 x magnifications.
VS1, VS2 - Very Slightly Imperfect:
Contains minute inclusions such as crystals, clouds or feathers when observed with effort under 10 x magnifications.
SI1, SI2 - Slightly Imperfect:
Contains inclusions such as cavities, knots clouds, feathers and included crystals which are noticeable to an experienced grader.
I1, I2, I3 - Imperfect:
Contains inclusions such as large feathers or large included crystals, which are obvious under a 10 x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.
Click here to view our Diamond Clarity Chart.
The diamonds Clarity refers to how clean a diamond is. Often a diamond has imperfections which are present in its rough state. The clarity scale is used to measure how great those imperfections or "inclusions" are.
Clarity is determined using a very complex method of determining the size, location, and visibility of inclusions.
The Clarity Scale is a follows:
FL-Flawless:
Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10 x magnifications when observed by an experienced grader.
IF-Internally Flawless:
Have no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader, but will have some minor blemishes.
VVS1, VVS2 - Very Very Slightly Imperfect:
Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10 x magnifications.
VS1, VS2 - Very Slightly Imperfect:
Contains minute inclusions such as crystals, clouds or feathers when observed with effort under 10 x magnifications.
SI1, SI2 - Slightly Imperfect:
Contains inclusions such as cavities, knots clouds, feathers and included crystals which are noticeable to an experienced grader.
I1, I2, I3 - Imperfect:
Contains inclusions such as large feathers or large included crystals, which are obvious under a 10 x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.
Color
The Highest color diamond is a D rating color diamond. From the D color diamond the color chart descends through each letter of the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray. This body color may be caused by presence of trace elements, such as nitrogen, within the atomic framework of the carbon crystal. As the body color becomes more intense, the grade for color descends the scale.
Click here to view our Diamond Color Chart.
The Highest color diamond is a D rating color diamond. From the D color diamond the color chart descends through each letter of the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray. This body color may be caused by presence of trace elements, such as nitrogen, within the atomic framework of the carbon crystal. As the body color becomes more intense, the grade for color descends the scale.
Cut
Of the 4Cs, the Cut of a diamond has the greatest impact on a diamond's beauty and shine. Diamonds have the ability to magnify light which creates the diamond’s Fire. The cut of a diamond is captured with an extremely high level of accuracy during the cutting and polishing process. The diamond’s Cut refers to the diamond’s proportions. It is one of the most important factors to be considered when choosing your diamond. It is the only aspect of a diamond that is directly influenced by man. The other three are influenced totally by nature. Diamonds are mostly cut with 58 facets, or flat surfaces. These facets are placed at precise angles to each other. This relationship is designed to maximize the amount of light reflected through the diamond and to increase its beauty. Rough stones can be cut to their maximum weight and monetary value but loses some "brilliance and "sparkle". Similarly rough stones can also be cut into the most beautiful stone, despite heavy weight loss and lowered monetary value.
Diamond Shape
Diamonds are cut in many different shapes. The shape of a diamond should not be confused with its cut. The Shape of a diamond refers to the diamonds form: Round or Square shapes where as the cut or proportions refer to the ability of each of these shapes to reflect light.
Choosing the shape of a diamond comes down to personal preferences. The right shape for you is really the one whose appearance you prefer.