CLARITY
Diamond clarity refers to the presence and visibility of natural surface imperfections (blemishes) and internal characteristics (inclusions). Clarity grades range from Flawless to Included, with a flawless diamond, free of blemishes and inclusions, being the rarest and most valuable.
A diamond’s clarity is determined by the number, size, color, location, and visibility of its inclusions, all evaluated under 10× magnification.
COLOR
Diamond color refers to the presence of color or hue within a diamond. Diamonds are graded on the D–Z color scale, where D represents a completely colorless diamond and Z indicates noticeable color. Chemically pure, colorless diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable.
Diamonds that fall outside the D–Z range are classified as Fancy Colored Diamonds. It is important to note that each color grade encompasses a range, meaning two diamonds of the same grade, such as F color, may still show subtle differences in hue, even to the naked eye.
CUT
Diamond cut is one of the most important factors influencing a diamond’s sparkle and brilliance. The term cut refers to the precision of a diamond’s facets, symmetry, proportions, and polish. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, resulting in superior brilliance, while a poorly cut diamond will appear dull by comparison.
It is important to note that diamond cut is not the same as diamond shape. Shape describes the diamond’s overall outline and appearance. Popular diamond shapes include round, oval, emerald cut, heart, marquise, and pear.
CARAT WEIGHT
Diamond Carat Weight is a metric measurement that refers to a diamond’s weight, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. As carat weight increases, a diamond’s value generally rises, as larger diamonds are rarer and more in demand.
However, diamonds of the same carat weight can vary significantly in value, as cut, color, and clarity also play a critical role in determining a diamond’s overall quality and price.