All the different quality of Diamonds that are present in Diamond Jewellery, whether it be Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Eternity Rings, Diamond Earrings or whatever else, are graded by taking into account their colour, clarity, cut and weight in carats, known universally as the Four C's.
The grading system that is most often used and respected is that of the GIA (Gemological Institute Of America). This systems is used not just for diamonds, but all families of gemstones.
1. Diamond Colour
The amount of colour produced is directly linked to the amount of light that is refracted when it passes through the stone and produces "fire". This spectrum of "fire" is greater when there is less colour in the gemstone, making the stone more valuable.
D. Absolutely colourless.
E. Diamonds are colourless. Very small traces of colour found.
F. Colourless. Very Slight colour detected.
G-H. Near-colourless. Colour noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades.
I-J. Near-colourless. Some colour is slightly detectable.
K-M. Noticeable colour. Very faint to faint yellow-brown tints of colour found.
N-Z. More noticeable colour. Faint to more tinted yellow-brown tint.
1. Diamond Colour
The amount of colour produced is directly linked to the amount of light that is refracted when it passes through the stone and produces "fire". This spectrum of "fire" is greater when there is less colour in the gemstone, making the stone more valuable.
D. Absolutely colourless.
E. Diamonds are colourless. Very small traces of colour found.
F. Colourless. Very Slight colour detected.
G-H. Near-colourless. Colour noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades.
I-J. Near-colourless. Some colour is slightly detectable.
K-M. Noticeable colour. Very faint to faint yellow-brown tints of colour found.
N-Z. More noticeable colour. Faint to more tinted yellow-brown tint.
2. Clarity Of Diamond
Diamonds have natural inclusion bodies that are unique in number and situ in every example of the gemstone. This is the way in which the GIA grade the clarity, and the less the number of inclusions present, basically the greater the clarity, and therefore the more valuable the stone.
IF. Internally flawless and have no surface blemishes when viewed under 10x magnification.
VVS. Very, very, slightly included, and similar if any surface blemishes, that are difficult to see when viewed under 10x magnification.
VS. The diamonds are very slightly included. Have surface blemishes that are difficult to see under 10x magnification viewing.
SI. Inclusions and external blemishes are easy to locate under 10x magnification.
I. Medium or large internal bodies or external blemishes that are easily seen with the naked eye.
3. Cut Of A Diamond
The sparkle or brilliance that is allowed to be generated from within a stone, is down to the quality of the faceted example. The cut does not refer to the shape, such as round brilliant or princess, but indeed the facets.
The type and quality of this faceting, allows the light to be "bounced" around a produce lots of sparkle out through the top to the viewer.
If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light will therefore escape through the opposite side of the pavilion (lower section of stone), but if it is too shallow, then light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.
4. Carats
Whatever the shape of the diamond that is produced, when it is cut shallower than usual, but with the same top dimensions, it will weigh less than expected. Alternatively if cut deeper than expected, but with the normal top proportions, it will weigh more than expected. To get the best out of both worlds, sometimes the top can be cut wider to give the impression of size and gain the "experience" of extra weight, but the depth will be cut shallower to keep down the costs.
Conclusion
If you are after a specific diamond but the price is beyond your budget, then it can be still achievable (or maybe nearly), if you look at compromising on one of the four C's to achieve your goal.
Whatever the size and/or quality of stones you may have, then just please make sure you wear them as much as possible and show them off. They are definitely not meant to be kept hidden away from all to see.
J S Stewart © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Want the best deal on Diamond Jewellery? Visit www.GlobeJewellery.co.uk for Diamond Rings, Diamond Earrings, Diamond Pendants and more!
Diamonds have natural inclusion bodies that are unique in number and situ in every example of the gemstone. This is the way in which the GIA grade the clarity, and the less the number of inclusions present, basically the greater the clarity, and therefore the more valuable the stone.
IF. Internally flawless and have no surface blemishes when viewed under 10x magnification.
VVS. Very, very, slightly included, and similar if any surface blemishes, that are difficult to see when viewed under 10x magnification.
VS. The diamonds are very slightly included. Have surface blemishes that are difficult to see under 10x magnification viewing.
SI. Inclusions and external blemishes are easy to locate under 10x magnification.
I. Medium or large internal bodies or external blemishes that are easily seen with the naked eye.
3. Cut Of A Diamond
The sparkle or brilliance that is allowed to be generated from within a stone, is down to the quality of the faceted example. The cut does not refer to the shape, such as round brilliant or princess, but indeed the facets.
The type and quality of this faceting, allows the light to be "bounced" around a produce lots of sparkle out through the top to the viewer.
If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light will therefore escape through the opposite side of the pavilion (lower section of stone), but if it is too shallow, then light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.
4. Carats
Whatever the shape of the diamond that is produced, when it is cut shallower than usual, but with the same top dimensions, it will weigh less than expected. Alternatively if cut deeper than expected, but with the normal top proportions, it will weigh more than expected. To get the best out of both worlds, sometimes the top can be cut wider to give the impression of size and gain the "experience" of extra weight, but the depth will be cut shallower to keep down the costs.
Conclusion
If you are after a specific diamond but the price is beyond your budget, then it can be still achievable (or maybe nearly), if you look at compromising on one of the four C's to achieve your goal.
Whatever the size and/or quality of stones you may have, then just please make sure you wear them as much as possible and show them off. They are definitely not meant to be kept hidden away from all to see.
J S Stewart © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Want the best deal on Diamond Jewellery? Visit www.GlobeJewellery.co.uk for Diamond Rings, Diamond Earrings, Diamond Pendants and more!
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