Diamonds 101

Carat weight refers to how much a diamond weighs in carats. 200 milligrams equals one metric "carat."

Each carat has 100 'points.' This enables measurements to the hundredth decimal place to be made with extreme precision. The weight of a diamond less than one carat may be determined only by its 'points.' A 0.25 carat diamond, for example, may be referred to as a 'twenty-five pointer' by the jeweler. Carats and decimals are used to represent diamond weights larger than one. 'One point oh eight carats,' as a 1.08 carat stone might be characterized.

Color Classification
The lack of color is used to assess the color of most gem-quality diamonds. Like a drop of pure water, a chemically pure and structurally flawless diamond has no colour and hence a greater value. The GIA's D-to-Z diamond color-grading method determines the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone to masterstones of known color value under controlled lighting and viewing circumstances.

Many of these color differences are so slight that they go unnoticed by the untrained sight; nonetheless, they create a significant difference in diamond quality and price.

DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT

 

*DIAMOND COLOR RANGE: We recommend going from D to I for maximum brightness.

 

*DIAMOND CUT - The cut has to be excellent, this is one of the most important features and aspects of a Diamond.

 

*DIAMOND CLARITY - We recommend going from F to I

 

CUT
Diamonds are known for their incredible ability to transmit light and shine. We commonly associate a diamond's cut with its form (round, heart, oval, marquise, or pear), but the cut grade is really determined by how effectively the facets interact with light.

To design a stone such that its dimensions, symmetry, and polish offer the brilliant return of light only a diamond can, precise creativity and skill are necessary.

The cut of a diamond determines its final beauty and value. It is also the most complicated and technically challenging to examine of all the diamond 4Cs.

The proportions of those facets that impact the diamond's face-up look are calculated by GIA to establish the cut grade of the typical round brilliant diamond – the form that dominates the majority of diamond jewelry. The GIA uses these proportions to assess how well a diamond interacts with light to produce desired aesthetic effects such as:

  • Brightness: A diamond reflects both internal and exterior white light.
  • Fire is the dispersion of white light into all of the rainbow's colors.
  • Scintillation: The quantity of sparkle produced by a diamond, as well as the pattern of bright and dark patches induced by internal reflections.

 

CLARITY
Natural diamonds are formed when carbon is subjected to extreme heat and pressure deep down. This process can produce a range of internal and exterior traits known as 'inclusions' and 'blemishes.'

The quantity, size, relief, type, and position of these qualities, as well as how they impact the overall look of the stone, are all factors in defining diamond clarity. While no diamond is completely flawless, the closer it gets, the more valuable it becomes.

The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale consists of six categories, some of which are split, for a total of 11 grades.

  • Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
  • Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
  • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
  • Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
  • Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
  • Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

 

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO BUY A DIAMOND?
1) Be aware of the four Cs of diamond quality.
This fundamental understanding will not only help you comprehend the mystery of a diamond's quality, but it will also help you understand the worth and price of a diamond.

  

  • Diamond Color In most diamonds, the term actually refers to the absence of color. The less color in the stone, the more desirable and valuable it is. Some of these differences are not visible to the naked eye, but directly impact the overall quality and price of the stone.
  • Diamond Clarity measures the amount, size and placement of internal ‘inclusions,’ and external ‘blemishes.’ Grades run from ‘Flawless,’ with virtually no imperfections, to ‘Included,’ which contain a significant number of imperfections.
  • Diamond Cut does not refer to a diamond’s shape, but to the proportion and arrangement of its facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut. Grades range from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Poor.’
  • Diamond Carat refers to a diamond’s weight. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone. Two diamonds of equal carat weight, however, can have very different quality and price when the other three Cs are considered.

 

2) Selecting a jeweler is similar to selecting a doctor.

CONTACT US AT: INFO@AMAFINEJEWELRY.COM FOR AN APPOINMENT.

3) Make a demand for a diamond grading report.

A diamond grading report from an independent, scientific source like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is more than just useful information; it's verification of what you're buying. Diamond variances can be so small that even an experienced jeweler couldn't tell them apart without lab proof. Insist that every diamond you purchase be accompanied by irrefutable proof of its quality.

Other grading reports are available such EGL.