Learn about diamonds

LEARN ABOUT DIAMONDS

What determines the cost of a diamond? In the diamond market, there are four main features that are looked at to determine quality and subsequent cost: Clarity, Cut, Carat, and Color. These are known as The 4 C’s. Read on to learn how each feature affects the look of a diamond, and help learn which one is right for you.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the amount of inclusions, or slight imperfections, within a diamond. Inclusions occur when tiny bits of minerals, gas, or fluids get trapped during the formation process.

These are naturally occurring and form in both Natural and Lab Grown diamonds, although it is usually easier to control inclusions within the lab growth process.The less inclusions a diamond has, the higher its clarity. This, however, does not always mean a higher clarity is preferable!

Diamonds with some inclusions are often completely clean to the naked eye and are undetectable just from looking at the stone.

While a certain level of clarity is often sought by buyers, clarity does not affect features like brilliance or sparkle. How a diamond is Cut can disperse and refract light differently, making imperfections virtually invisible to the eye. Read on to learn more about Cut and its impact on a stone.

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VVS1

VVS2

VS1

VS2

SI1

SI2

IF

Internally Flawless. This diamond boasts the faintest imperfections on its periphery, making it exceptionally rare and challenging to come by. Its flawless interior offers a glimpse into the pinnacle of diamond perfection, making it a truly exceptional treasure for those who seek the utmost in quality and purity.

VVS1

Very Very Slightly Included 1. This grade signifies the lowest level of internal inclusions, so minimal that even under magnification, they are extremely challenging to detect. These diamonds exemplify an exquisite level of clarity, making them a top choice for those who desire the ultimate in precision and brilliance.

VVS2

Very very slightly included 2 Small inclusions are present but are exceptionally difficult to detect when examined under 10x magnification.

VS1

Very Slightly Included 1. While it may have slightly more inclusions than VVS2, it remains visually clean to the naked eye, offering exceptional value for those who seek a balance between quality and affordability.

VS2

Very slight inlcluded 2. It may have slightly more inclusions compared to VS1. They are not visible to the naked eye and will appear completely eye clean.

SI1

Slightly Included 1. This clarity grade contains a higher quantity of inclusions, which could potentially be visible to the naked eye in specific diamond shapes and stone options.

SI2

Slightly Included 2. This marks the threshold for engagement ring quality. It features inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification and may occasionally be noticeable to the naked eye.

I1

Included 1. This is the initial grade where inclusions become visible to the naked eye. At times, these inclusions can appear dark or cloudy.

I2

Included 2. This grade features a higher concentration of inclusions than I1, with a greater number of noticeable imperfections that are visible to the naked eye.

I3

Included 3. This represents the most included category in diamond clarity and is a suitable choice for those seeking the distinctive charm of salt and pepper type diamonds, which feature numerous visible inclusions and unique character.

Cut

Cut refers to the quality of how well a diamond has been cut. It is a measure of how well a diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish interact with light.

A well-cut stone is very important, and can maximize sparkle, obscure inclusions, and offer a stone as equally stunning as a lower-clarity stone. A poorly cut stone will ruin even a flawless diamond, and make it muddy and lifeless!

Different diamond shapes also disperse light differently, and allow you to choose the amount of brilliance and sparkle your diamond has. For example, a Radiant diamond has a high level of sparkle because of all the facets within the cut that reflect more light from many angles. It is a great choice for a lower Clarity stone, and helps obscure inclusions from the naked eye.

Carat

Many people are familiar with Carat weight – it is the mass of a diamond. While Carat refers to weight, it is often reflected in the stone’s size: higher Carat
weight = larger stone. However, this is not always the case, as the ratio (length, width, and depth) of a stone’s cut can affect how large it appears.

The style of setting can also affect how large a stone looks. For example, a 2 CT diamond can be set alone in a low-profile Solitaire setting, making it understated and versatile. On the other hand, set in a high-profile Pavé setting surrounded by round cut side stones will make it appear more dazzling and eye-catching.

Carat size comes down to personal preference, and people prefer different Carat weights for different reasons, from aesthetics, to lifestyle, to versatility.

Color

Diamond Color is graded on a scale from “colorless” to “yellow”. The scale goes from D all the way to Z, with D being completely colorless.

Colorless and near-colorless stones (D-J) are what most people choose for engagement rings. It is entirely subjective whether you prefer a tint of warmth or a brighter, cooler tone.

As with Clarity, the difference in Color between D to I is often imperceptible to the average person’s eye. Even diamond experts may have trouble distinguishing between D, E, and F.

The tint of less colorless diamonds can actually be offset by the metal color you choose for the band. For example, an H or I level stone can be set on a White Gold band to offset the yellow tint and make it appear colorless. A J grade diamond may appear colorless, or colored, depending.

Just like the inclusions in Clarity, color variations can be masked by a good Cut that maximizes sparkle.

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D

Completely Colorless. These diamonds are ararity and in high demand. An excellent selection for those with no budget or time constraints.

E

Nearly Colorless. Exhibits an appearance of absolute colorlessness to the naked eye, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a perfectly white diamond without the necessity of the D color grade.

F

Colorless. An expert gemologist may detect a subtlehint of color, yet it still maintains its 'colorless' grade, signifying a high-quality diamond.

G

Near Colorless. The top color grade within the near-colorless spectrum, with a subtle hint of color and it provides exceptional value for its quality.

H

Near Colorless. Exhibiting a hint of color, this is an excellent choice, particularly for those selecting rose gold or yellow gold settings.

I

Near Colorless. Falling in the middle of the near-colorless category, it has a slightly more noticeable tint compared to H but remains a great choice for various settings.

J

Near Colorless. With its subtle warm tint, this diamond possesses a unique charm that appeals to those who appreciate the character and inviting warmth of their stones.

K

Faint. This color grade features a warm tone, often complemented by subtle undertones of gray, brown, or orange. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a medium- warm-toned diamond with unique character and charm.

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