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Each diamond is a unique gemstone with identifiable characteristics. The main aspects of a diamond are shape, cut, color, clarity and carat weight (known as the 4 C’s). Each of these characteristics can be measured and described through independent certification.
SHAPE
The shape of a diamond simply refers to the general form of the facets on the diamond and the outer shape. The most common shape for diamonds is Round Brilliant, though there are many others shapes available.
CUT
The cut of a diamond is closely related to shape and is a detailed analysis of the quality of faceting. Cut grading will determine the alignment and polish of the individual facets. Cut is generally thought of as the single most important factor in determining a diamond’s beauty because it will directly affect light performance, otherwise known as “sparkle.”
COLOR
White diamond color grading is described using an alphabetical system starting with the letter “D.” The reason the system begins with “D” is because there previously had been a variety of alphabetical diamond grading systems which utilized the letters A, B and C. It was agreed to develop a universal diamond color grading system beginning with “D” in order to avoid any confusion with previous diamond color grades.
D-F - Colorless
Colorless diamonds are the rarest, most desirable and most valuable diamonds. It is nearly impossible to determine any color in one of these diamonds.
G-I - Near Colorless
Near colorless diamonds display minimal yellow or darkness which is difficult to determine even under proper grading conditions.
White diamond color grading continues through the entire alphabet with gradually increasing levels of yellow or darkness. X,Y, Z diamonds are generally considered to be “light yellow” diamonds just below “Fancy” grading.
CLARITY
As with all naturally occurring gemstones, diamonds have internal and external imperfections known as “inclusions.” Clarity grading describes any imperfections present in the body of a diamond.
FL & IF – Flawless
Flawless diamonds are extremely rare. “FL” indicates that a diamond is completely flawless internally and externally. “IF” indicates that a diamond is internally flawless with a minor degree of surface imperfection.
VVS1 & VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included
VVS graded diamonds have an absolute minimum level of internal imperfections which are extremely difficult to view under proper grading circumstances.
VS1 & VS2 – Very Slightly Included
VS graded diamonds contain some internal inclusions which should only be seen using 10 x magnifications.
SI1 & SI2 – Slightly Included
SI graded diamonds contain some inclusions which are clearly visible under 10x magnification and which are difficult to see with the naked eye.
I1, I2, I3 - Included
I graded diamonds contain inclusions which are clearly visible without visual aid.
CARAT WEIGHT
A carat is a unit of measurement equivalent to 200 milligrams, which is the industry standard for measuring gemstone weight Though carat weight gives a rough idea of the size of a diamond, it is not an accurate measurement of diameter. Though two diamonds may have the same carat weight, they can look very different. If a diamond has a shallow cut, it will have a larger diameter whereas a diamond with a deep cut will have a smaller diameter.
DIAMOND GRADING
There are a variety of diamond grading institutions such as the GIA and AGS which provide independent diamond and gemstone grading certification. The majority of jewelry quality diamonds weighing .50 carats and above are sent to one or more grading laboratories to receive certification. Diamond grading certification will detail all of the aspects described above.
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