Proportion Anatomy Weight Color Clarity Cut

Diamonds reside in a prestigious class all their own, with a history that dates back to the 15th century. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was bestowed to the fiancée of an Austrian prince in 1477. From this time forward, diamonds have been the representation of love and promise of marriage. Over the years, people began to purchase diamonds to celebrate important events in their lives such as anniversary, marriages, achievements, and engagements, or to simply reveal an expression of love. Technological advances have allowed for accurate cutting, polishing and finishing of diamonds. These improvements are responsible for the vast number of styles and cuts that are on the market today. This wide variety of gems and price ranges will easily fulfill everyone’s taste and budget.

Proportion

Anatomy

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The 4C’s
The four Cs are defined standards of comparison that allow for the buying and selling of this precious gemstone. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created a universally accepted diamond grading system based on the four Cs of the diamond: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.

Carat weight Refers to the unit of weight used for diamonds and other gemstones articulated in carats. 100 points equals to 1 carat.

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Color is defined by the amount of body color in the diamond. The grades for color indicate the amount (saturation) of color and range from colorless (D) to very saturated (Z). Colorless diamonds are rare and most diamonds have a very slight hint of yellow, brown or gray. The increased popularity of diamonds with some body color, has given rise to the prettier brown shades being sold as “champagnes” and “cognacs”. Diamonds that have a body color other than light yellow or light brown (for example: pink, red, blue, green, or orange) are referred to as “fancy” diamonds and are graded differently. GIA Grading Scale (Fancy colored diamonds not included): GIA Color Grade Definition

Example:

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Clarity defines the absence or presence of external (blemishes) characteristics and internal (inclusions) features under the jewelry industry standard of magnification, 10 power (10x). The quantity of inclusions along with their size, color, relief and location determines a diamond’s clarity grade. These characteristics also can impact a diamond’s durability and beauty. Clarity grades range from flawless (FL) to heavily included. Flawless diamonds are very rare and practically all diamonds have inclusions. Every diamond is unique and its inclusions are actually identifying characteristics. SI (slightly included) and I (included) clarity grades are less rare, commonly used in jewelry and more affordable.

GIA Clarity scale: (all grades based on 10x magnification)

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Cut has two implications. The term cut sometimes refers to the shape of a stone, for example: round, oval, pear, marquise, heart or emerald. More commonly and importantly, cut or “make” refers to a diamond’s proportions, the correlation between its size (carat weight), shape, and cutting angles. Finish describes a diamond’s facet symmetry and polish. Cut is important because it impacts a diamond’s ability to redirect light through it and back to your eye. Cut is the main reason why some diamonds look lively and others appear dull or watery. Brilliancy or sparkle refers to the flashes of hite light reflecting off a diamond. Dispersion or fire is the term that describes the flashes of rainbow colors that diamonds have. The cut of a diamond is essential in achieving the maximum light return and directly influences the diamond’s beauty. Historically diamonds were purchased by a man for a woman, either as a gift or to symbolize a wedding engagement. However today, with a majority of women in the workforce, they are a popular self-purchase item.

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