Diamond Certification

It is crucial when choosing from a selection of loose diamonds to review the diamond certificate, referred to by diamond grading laboratories as a grading report. When shopping for loose diamonds, you need to be on the lookout for a diamond certificate to verify that you have confirmation and can corroborate that you are essentially getting the best quality certified diamonds that you paid for.

Diamond Color

Many experts name color as the number one consideration in choosing a diamond. A diamond's color is graded on an alphabetical scale from D-Z, with D being absolutely colorless and Z being light yellow. Beyond "Z", a diamond is considered to be an exotic or "Fancy" color.

It is difficult to see the subtle differences between one color grade to the next. When grading diamonds for color it is important to have a Master Color Diamond Set (pre-graded diamonds usually E-G-I-J) to compare the diamond being graded. Also a controlled lighting environment is helpful for accuracy. Diamonds must always be graded unset to ensure grading accuracy.
 

Diamond Clarity Chart / Scale

Most diamonds aren't perfect and include blemishes, inclusions, or feathers naturally created through time. The clarity of a diamond refers to how clean or clear a diamond is internally. The cleaner the diamond, the higher the price. The clarity scale was developed to have a universal rating system of diamonds imperfections.

 
 

FL (Flawless) - IF (Internally Flawless)
Flawless Diamonds reveal no flaws on the surface or internally are the rarest and most beautiful gems.

Internally Flawless Diamonds reveal no inclusions and only insignificant blemishes on the surface under 10x magnification.

VVS1 - VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included)
Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. These are excellent quality diamonds.

VS1 - VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
Only looking through a 10X loupe can pinpoint the inclusions in this category and are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. These are less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1 - SI3 (Slightly Included)
Diamonds with inclusions easily identified under 10x magnification. Finding flaws in this category with the naked eye is difficult. The gems in this category maintain their integrity, depending on the location of the inclusions.

I1 - I3 (Included)
Diamonds with inclusions which may or may not be easily seen by the naked eye. The flaws on the stones in this category will have some effect on the brilliance of your diamond.
 

Diamond Carat Weight Chart

Diamonds are measured by carat weight, and not size. Two diamonds having the same carat weight could have different millimeter sizes because a diamond is three dimensional meaning length, width, and depth. The scale below is a comparison of the sizes based upon carat weight with cutting percentages being the same.

One carat is the equivalent of 200 milligrams. One carat can be divided into 100 "points". A .75 carat diamond is the same as 75 points or a 3/4 carat diamond. Since larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds, the value rises exponentially with carat weight.

 

Diamond Cut

The cutting of a diamond and its proportioning, called “Make” in the jewelry trade, are of extreme importance. The fire (variety and concentration of the prismatic colors emitted) and the brilliance (liveliness or sparkle, of the diamond) directly depend on the proper cutting and proportioning of the diamond. Obtaining the optimum Table and Depth proportions are critical for superior diamonds. "The Magic is in the Make!"

A diamond's cut will most certainly influence its fire (the lovely rainbow colors that flash from within) and brilliance (the liveliness and sparkle), as well as its perceived size and even, to some degree its apparent color. Different cuts reflect light in different angles. A diamond must be cut in a geometrically precise manner to maximize its brilliance.
 

Diamond Anatomy

To obtain a "High Performance" diamond it is helpful to have a clear understanding of a Diamond's Anatomy. With a clear understanding of the Diamond's Anatomy and the proper proporations for Ideal Makes one can be assured a "High Performance" diamond will be yours.