How to Understand Your Diamond: Cut, Clarity, Carat and Color

Cut

The cut of the diamond is what affects the symmetry, brightness, fire, and how sparkly the diamond appears. It also reveals how well the artist followed the original shape of the rough stone when creating a polished diamond. The quality of the cut is judged on the angles and measurements, as well as how symmetrical everything appears.

Important factors To Keep in Mind.

Keep in mind that different diamond shapes have varying light properties when you are selecting a shape. Round, for example, is excellent at reflecting light back to the viewer, which makes them gleam more than other forms. Emerald cuts, for example, have a traditional appearance with strong bursts of light but little gleam or fire. It is ultimately up to you to select the form that you enjoy the most.

The second component of diamond cut is the manner in which the facets are arrayed on the diamond. When a diamond is cut to high standards (regardless of its form), the maximum amount of light is sent through the top of the stone, resulting in a magnificent

light display. If a cut is too shallow or deep, the light will escape, and the diamond will appear dull.

Clarity

Most diamonds have some internal and external blemishes. The number, size, location, and type of these blemishes determine the clarity grade of a diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a set of standards to judge diamonds by their clarity.

The GIA Clarity Scale goes from Included (I) — a diamond with the most blemishes, to Flawless (FL) — a diamond with no internal or external blemishes. The vast majority of diamonds fall somewhere in the middle of this scale.

Carat (Size)

Carat weight is how a diamond is measured and is the size of the diamond. The term “carat” comes from the carob bean, as early jewelers used these beans to measure diamonds. It is a measurement of the real weight of the diamond. As GIA explains, one carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams, which is almost the same weight as a paper clip. Of course, the diamond’s price increases with a growing carat. While all diamonds are special and unique, carat only refers to the weight of the stone, not the actual size.

One carat is equivalent to one-fifth of a gram and is divided into 100 points meaning a 50-point diamond weighs 0.50 carats. A diamond is made up of 75 points, 0.75 carats, or 3/4 of a carat (sometimes written as three-fourths of a carat). When buying or selling diamonds, it’s essential to know the precise weight.

Color

The most popular diamond colors are D-G, which run from completely colorless (D) to a light yellow tint (Z). The vast majority of diamonds fall somewhere in this range. The diamond’s shape also has an impact on where it falls on the color spectrum. A brilliant round diamond, for example, is less likely to yellow than a princess or marquise cut. The ideal shape for a diamond engagement ring is round because it allows the color to be seen easily. However, longer diamond forms, such as oval and radiant, reveal color considerably more readily. Keep in mind that diamond color is entirely a matter of personal taste.

The GIA has also established a set of standards to judge diamonds by their color. The table below shows the different color grades and what they mean: