Diamond Grading Guide: How to Evaluate Diamond Quality
by Manish on Jul 24 2025
Diamonds are more than beautiful gems. They're also excellent investments and symbolize dedication. But how can you tell if you're picking the best one? The answer is in diamond grade.
It doesn't matter if you're looking for natural or lab-grown diamonds; understanding how diamond quality is evaluated will allow you to make an informed and secure decision.
Read our comprehensive guide on Diamond Grading here.
Grading a diamond is the method that determines the quality of a diamond. It is assessed according to the four Cs: cut, clarity, colour as well and carat weight. These four factors are the basis for determining a diamond's overall quality as well as its value. Once assessed, the results are detailed in a professional grading report—your blueprint to the diamond’s authenticity.
The diamond grade chart was created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which introduced the first universal system of grading. This chart sets out standardized standards for all 4Cs and is widely used by gemologists and retail stores around the globe.
We at Nature Sparkle use the industry standard scales to assess and ensure the quality of every one of our natural and lab-grown diamonds.
The cut grade measures how a diamond's surface facets react to light. It affects the diamond's brilliance, fire, along its general sparkle. The cut is graded by GIA on a scale ranging from Good to poor.
Nature Sparkle offers diamonds with extraordinary cut quality and high-end cuts that are higher than the norm. Excellent grade, ensuring maximum brightness in any setting.
The colour in diamonds refers to the absence of colour. The less coloured diamonds are more attractive as well as valuable. The GIA grades the colour of diamonds on a D-Z scale
The majority of Nature Sparkle diamonds fall within the D-J collection, delivering clarity and brilliance perfect for any engagement ring style.
Clarity is the measure of inclusions inside the diamond and external flaws. These imperfections are usually small and don't affect the diamond's appearance in the eyes of a naked observer. It is the GIA clarity scale comprises:
At Nature Sparkle, we select diamonds that combine beauty and value, typically in the VVS and VS categories, that are perfect for everyday wear, with stunning visual appeal.
Carat is the term used to describe the weight of a diamond, but not its size. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, and it is then split into 100 points to ensure accuracy. The shape also has an impact. An Oval or Marquise diamond could appear bigger than a round brilliant of the same weight.
This diamond-grade chart is a way to measure these nuances and helps you select the right size for your budget and style.
How are diamonds assessed by Nature Sparkle? Each of our diamonds is evaluated using industry-standard methods and tools that are supervised through trusted third-party labs (such as GIA, as well as IGI), as well as by in-house gemologists who are certified for certain collections.
We go far beyond superficial evaluations using optical evaluation and professional review, making sure you receive a diamond whose quality reflects its beauty and authenticity.
Though often used interchangeably, the grading report and certificate have distinct purposes:
There isn't a single "perfect" diamond grade. The best option is contingent on your individual preferences, your preference for setting style and your budget. For instance:
Use the diamond grade chart as a guide, but trust your instincts when selecting the stone that feels just right.
It doesn't matter if you're looking for natural or lab-grown diamonds; understanding how diamond quality is evaluated will allow you to make an informed and secure decision.
Read our comprehensive guide on Diamond Grading here.
What Is Diamond Grading?
Grading a diamond is the method that determines the quality of a diamond. It is assessed according to the four Cs: cut, clarity, colour as well and carat weight. These four factors are the basis for determining a diamond's overall quality as well as its value. Once assessed, the results are detailed in a professional grading report—your blueprint to the diamond’s authenticity.
The Diamond Grade Chart Explained
The diamond grade chart was created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which introduced the first universal system of grading. This chart sets out standardized standards for all 4Cs and is widely used by gemologists and retail stores around the globe.
We at Nature Sparkle use the industry standard scales to assess and ensure the quality of every one of our natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Cut Grade
The cut grade measures how a diamond's surface facets react to light. It affects the diamond's brilliance, fire, along its general sparkle. The cut is graded by GIA on a scale ranging from Good to poor.
Nature Sparkle offers diamonds with extraordinary cut quality and high-end cuts that are higher than the norm. Excellent grade, ensuring maximum brightness in any setting.
Color Grade
The colour in diamonds refers to the absence of colour. The less coloured diamonds are more attractive as well as valuable. The GIA grades the colour of diamonds on a D-Z scale
- D-F: Colourless
- G-J: Near colourless
- K-Z: Colour that is noticeable
The majority of Nature Sparkle diamonds fall within the D-J collection, delivering clarity and brilliance perfect for any engagement ring style.
Clarity Grade
Clarity is the measure of inclusions inside the diamond and external flaws. These imperfections are usually small and don't affect the diamond's appearance in the eyes of a naked observer. It is the GIA clarity scale comprises:
- Flawless (FL)
- Internally Flawless (IF)
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)
- Included (I1, I2, I3)
At Nature Sparkle, we select diamonds that combine beauty and value, typically in the VVS and VS categories, that are perfect for everyday wear, with stunning visual appeal.
Carat Weight
Carat is the term used to describe the weight of a diamond, but not its size. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, and it is then split into 100 points to ensure accuracy. The shape also has an impact. An Oval or Marquise diamond could appear bigger than a round brilliant of the same weight.
This diamond-grade chart is a way to measure these nuances and helps you select the right size for your budget and style.
How Are Diamonds Graded at Nature Sparkle?
How are diamonds assessed by Nature Sparkle? Each of our diamonds is evaluated using industry-standard methods and tools that are supervised through trusted third-party labs (such as GIA, as well as IGI), as well as by in-house gemologists who are certified for certain collections.
We go far beyond superficial evaluations using optical evaluation and professional review, making sure you receive a diamond whose quality reflects its beauty and authenticity.
Diamond Grading vs. Diamond Certification
Though often used interchangeably, the grading report and certificate have distinct purposes:
- A diamond grading report outlines the 4Cs and features of the stone.
- The certificate contains this information about grading, together with the origin information, along with warranties, as well as other assurances.
Choosing the Best Diamond Grade for You
There isn't a single "perfect" diamond grade. The best option is contingent on your individual preferences, your preference for setting style and your budget. For instance:
- Choose an Excellent as well as The Ideal cut to ensure maximum brilliance.
- A D-F colour diamond is a beautiful match with white or platinum.
- Select the VS1 or a higher level of clarity if you like simple, minimalist settings.
Use the diamond grade chart as a guide, but trust your instincts when selecting the stone that feels just right.
