Diamonds
Basic Diamond Tips
The weight system used internationally for gemstones expresses weight in carats. Carat is not a size unit, rather it is a weight unit. Carat weight is not to be confused with karats, a term used to measure the purity of gold. One carat is equal to 1/142 of an ounce or 1/5 of a gram. One carat is divided into 100 points, just as one dollar is divided into 100 pennies. Carat weight is the only objective area of gemstone grading. Press Here to learn more about diamond weight ...
Color grading a diamond is a matter of judging how near or far the diamond is from a colorless state. The human eye can detect slight differences in color, however it cannot remember color. Therefore, we use certified diamond masters to compare the color. Since color grading is subjective, it is imperative that diamonds be graded in a proper and consistent environment. Press Here to learn more about diamond color ...
• F-IF
Flawless or Internally Flawless (two grades). No internal inclusions. Very rare.
• VVS1-VVS2
Very Very Slightly Included (two grades). Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10X magnification.
• VS1-VS2
Very Slightly Included (two grades). Minor inclusions difficult to see face-up at 10X magnification.
• SI1-SI2
Slightly Included (two grades). Noticable inclusuions easy to detect under 10X magnification.
• I1-I2-I3
Included (three grades). Inclusions visible to the human eye.
The beauty of a diamond is determined by the cut. Ideally, when we cut a diamond we want to maximize the light returned to the eye. Cut refers to the proportions and angles of facets on a diamond. Not the overall shape of the diamond. This is the only "C" of the four "C's" that man has 100% control of the outcome. Press Here to learn more about diamond cut ...
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Example of light passing into a well cut diamond - from two different sources.
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Example of light passing into extremely poor cut diamonds
