Carat Weight
Carat weight refers to the weight of the diamond. This grading is the most accurate of the four C’s. 1 carat equals approximately 1/5 gram. Thus, a little over 142 carats will equal one ounce. If a diamond weighs less than 1 carat then the term used for 0.90ct is 90 points, or 0.50ct is 50 points, etc.
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Cut
The Cut identifies the shape of the diamond. The two most popular cuts are the Round cut and the Princess (square) cut.
Although the diamond’s shape is known as The Cut, a diamond is being graded by the actual work of “cutting” the diamond. Diamond cutting is an art. The aim is to have the diamond reflect as much light as possible when looking at it. An Ideal Cut is the best cut. The light is refracted from one facet to the other and then dispersed through the top of the diamond. In order to achieve the maximum brilliance the diamond facets must be placed in symmetry. This must be precise. If the cut is too deep the light escapes through the opposite side of the diamond. If the cut is too shallow then the light escapes through the bottom of the diamond.
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Color
Color is the only grade that is entirely determined by nature. Diamond colors are graded beginning with the letter D (representing a colorless diamond) down to the letter Z. The closer a diamond is to colorless, the greater it’s value. However, some stones are considered a “fancy color” diamond, making their value often greater than a colorless diamond.
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Clarity
Clarity gives the indication of a diamond’s purity. A Flawless diamond is the highest level of purity a diamond can attain. The IF (Internally Flawless) indicates a diamond which has no internal inclusions, yet may have some external ones which can be removed by polishing. Next is the VVS1 (Very Very Slightly Included) which means there are internal inclusions, but they are minor. As the imperfections in the diamond increases, its clarity grading goes down in this order; VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, SI3, I1, I2, and I3. In general, the imperfections or inclusions in the stone may also be known as the “fingerprints” nature has left, therefore the fewer there are, the higher the grade of diamond.
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