<<< BACK TO LEARNING LOUNGE

Learning Lounge: Diamond Details

| Colour | | Clarity | | Cut | | Carat | | Shape |

COLOUR
When referring to colour in reference to diamond grading, one generally refers to the absence of colour. Most diamonds, although appearing colourless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the value decrease.

An exception to this would be found in diamonds of rich “fancy” colour.

Back to top

CLARITY
Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. Inclusions add a unique “birthmark” to a diamond - provided by Mother Nature. When small, they may be considered a welcome identifier. The size, nature and location of inclusions determine a diamond’s clarity grade and affect its value. "Inclusions" can come in many forms, including tiny white points, dark dots, or feathery cracks. The fewer inclusions, the more the stone is worth. A diamond's clarity ranking is determined by the number, size, type and placement of the inclusions.

Back to top

CUT
Cut, often confused with - “Shape”, is the most important of the 4C’s. Minor inaccuracies, usually, impossible to recognize by anyone other than a trained diamond expert, can lead to diminished brilliance, fire, scintillation and value.

When a diamond is cut too deep light leaks out the bottom, brilliance is lost, and the diamond will appear to be dark.

When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and lifeless.

Back to top

CARAT
Carat is the term used to describe the weight of any gemstone, including diamonds. Although the definition of a carat has changed over time, since 1913 the international standard has been 200 milligrams, or 1/5 of a gram. Often, jewelers describe carats in 1/4 increments.

In jewelry pieces with more than one diamond, the carats may be described in terms of total carat weight (TW). This is the combined total weight of all the stones in the piece.

Back to top

SHAPE
The round brilliant cut diamond with its 58 facets is the most popular shape for a diamond. It is belived that the brilliant cut reflects light in such away as to show the true fire and brilliance of the diamond. However, Diamonds may be fashioned into many shapes each with their own special allure, and all are beautiful when properly cut. The choice is simply a personal decision. The chart below show some of the most popular diamond shapes. Each shape is unique just like the individual who is wearing it.

Back to top