Diamond Information |
|
|
The "Four Cs" used to measure the value
of a diamond are Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat
weight.
|
1. Diamond Clarity
A diamond's relative
position on a flawless-to- imperfect scale. Clarity
characteristics are classified as inclusions (internal)
or blemishes (external). The size, number, position,
nature and color or relief of characteristics determine
the clarity grade of a diamond. Very few diamonds
are flawless, that is, show no inclusions or blemishes
when examined by a skilled diamond grader under
10x magnification. If other factors are equal, flawless
diamonds are most valuable. (clarity grading information
below).
2.
Diamond Color
Grading color in the
normal range involves deciding how closely a diamond's
body color approaches colorlessness. Most diamonds
have at least a trace of yellow or brown body color
with the exception of some natural fancy colors,
such as blue, pink, purple, or red, the colorless
grade diamond is the most valuable. (color table
information below).
3.
Diamond Cut
The proportions and
finish of a polished diamond (also called make).
Cut can also mean shape, as in emerald cut or marquise
cut. Proportions are the size and angle relationships
between the facets and different parts of the diamond.
Finish includes polish and details of facet shape
and placements. Cut affects both the weight yield
from rough and the optical efficiency of the polished
diamond; the more successful the cutter is in balancing
these considerations, the more valuable the diamond
will be. (cut type information below)
4.
Diamond Carat Weight The metric carat, which
equals 0.200 gram, is the standard unit of weight
for diamonds and most other gems. If other factors
are equal, the more a diamond weighs, the more valuable
it will be. |
| |
How
to Measure Diamond Clarity |
|
"Flawless" (F1) - Flawless diamonds
show no blemishes or inclusions when examined
by a skilled grader under 10x magnification.
The following do not disqualify a diamond from
the flawless category:
|
- An extra facet on the pavilion which cannot
be seen face-up
- Naturals totally confined to the girdle, which
neither thicken the girdle nor distort its outline.
- Internal graining which is not reflective,
white, or colored, and does not significantly
affect transparency.
|
| "Internally Flawless"
(IF) - IF diamonds show no inclusions and only insignificant
blemishes under 10x magnification. Normally what
separates IF from FI diamonds are characteristics
that can be removed by minor repolishing (light
surface graining is an exception). |
| "Very Very Slightly
Included" (V V S1, and V V S2) - V V S
diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult
for even a skilled grader to locate under 10x. in
V VS1, they are extremely difficult to see, visible
only from the pavilion, or small and shallow enough
to be removed by minor repolishing. In V VS2, they
are very difficult to see. |
| "Very Slightly
Included" (VS1 and VS2) - VS diamonds contain
minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to
somewhat easy (VS2) for a trained grader to see
under 10x. Small included crystals, small feathers,
and distinct clouds are typical. |
| "Slightly Included"
(SI1 and SI2) - SI diamonds contain noticeable inclusions,
which are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) to see under
10x. In some SIs, inclusions can be seen with the
unaided eye. |
| "Imperfect"
(I1 , I2 and I3) - I-graded diamonds contain inclusions
which are obvious to a trained grader under 10x
magnification, can often be easily seen face up
with the unaided eye, seriously affect the diamond's
potential durability, or are so numerous they affect
transparency and brilliance. |
| |
How
to Measure Diamond Color |
 |
| |
Types
of Diamond Cuts |
|
|
|
|
|
