Diamond ClarityFlawless - No internal or external flaws.
Internally Flawless - No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds which are quite expensive.
VVS1, VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
VS1, VS2 - Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2 - Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, SI clarity diamonds are usually of the best value since inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and prices are reasonable when compared to prices of the VS2 clarity and up grades.
SI3 - Slightly Included-EGL: SI3 is an EGL grade and is not recognized by GIA or other gemological institutions. It may be graded by GIA as either SI2 or I1. SI3 diamonds never have any black inclusions or cracks visible to the naked eye, but may have some very minor white inclusions which can be seen with the naked eye.
I1 - Included: an I1 clarity diamond will have a visible flaw which can be seen with the naked eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not too obvious. If your budget only allows for an SI3 or I1 clarity diamond, be sure to examine it thouroughly before purchasing and make sure you can not see any inclusions.
I2, I3 - Included: These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the naked eye, and will have many black spots from the black inclusions and appear cloudy from the white inclusions, feathers and cracks.
Diamond ColorThe diamond color grading scale varies from totally colorless to light yellow. The differences between one diamond color grade and another are very subtle and difficult to distinguish.
D-F : Colorless: perfect or almost perfect color.
G-J : Near colorless: good to very good color, and this diamond may "face up" colorless when mounted, especially in white gold or platinum.
K-M : Light but noticeable yellow or brown tint. Not recommended for larger diamond stone purchases, especially in engagement rings.
Out of the 4 C's, color and cut are the two most important characteristics of a diamond. Do not compromise on color. An "H" color or better is usually best.
Diamond CutMany people confuse diamond cut with the shape of a diamond. Most diamonds are cut round with a full 58 facets, and a good cut, or make, has more scintillation, more sparkle. Although the cut of the diamond may affect the value of the diamond, the shape, is largely a matter of personal preference and does not affect the value significantly. It is the work of a master cutter that allows the diamond to be cut in such a way as to permit the maximum amount of light to be reflected through the diamond, and that's a great reflection on you. It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light. For more about the cut of our diamonds, please see the next section below.
1. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. 2. If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the pavilion. 3. If the cut is too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected. Diamond Carat WeightCarat weight is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 "points," so that a diamond of 75 points weighs 0.75 carats. Carat weight is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond. But two diamonds of equal carat weights can have very different prices, depending on their quality. Diamonds of high quality can be found in all size ranges.
Since diamonds are measured by carat weight, and not size, two diamonds of the same weight could have different sizes. Why? If a diamond is cut too shallow (or flat) it will have a larger diameter, but shallow depth and appear larger. Likewise, if a diamond is cut too deep (or pointed) it will have a smaller diameter and deep depth and appear smaller. This is why cut is so important. You want to make sure the diamond is cut to proper proportions. Not only does it make a large difference in the diamond's ability to reflect light, but a poorly cut diamond will not be proportionate in size to a diamond cut to proper specifications. For example, let's say you're interested in a 1.00ct diamond solitaire with a table of only 49%, the diamond will be cut way too steep and will look like a 0.80ct diamond instead.
Canadian DiamondsWhy should you consider buying Canadian diamonds? To feel more assured your diamond is conflict free is the main reason. Canadian diamonds are often saught after by those who wish to get non-conflict diamonds because they are completely traced from the diamond mine source they are derived from all the way to the diamond cutters, wholesalers and retailers to you.
Another reason why many consumers are asking for Canadian diamonds is because diamonds being extracted from mines in Canada are yielding some of the largest, cleanest whitest roughs on the market, and the diamond cutters in Canada are typically creating some of the best cut makes out now for round brilliants. Canada has become a powerhouse in the diamond trade in the last 10 years, and now produces 15% of all diamonds in the market, however Canadian diamonds account for aproximately 80% of all Excellent and Ideal cut makes.
Canadian diamonds do cost a premium, typically around 10-15% more than a diamond of the same specifications in color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. But you do get peace of mind that your diamond is conflict free and not used to aid in a war. Also by the diamond being full traceable, you can know when the diamond was extracted from the mine. This helps ensure that your diamond is not "used" and picked up by a diamond wholesaler from a pawn shop or recycling facility. To some women conflict free and and "new" status is very important
|
