Diamond Shape

• Diamonds come in many different Shapes. Each shape is very different and possesses unique characteristics.
• The diamond Shape is not to be confused with the Cut of a diamond. The Shape refers to the geometry of a diamond whereas the cut refers to the proportioning of the facets.
• The most popular diamond shape is the Round brilliant.
• Learn about the 4Cs of diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.

Marquise

Cushion

Diamond Cut

• Cut is a measure of brilliance and how well a diamond transmits light.
• The Cut of a diamond is considered the most important component of a diamond’s beauty.
• When a diamond is cut properly, light is returned out of the top of the diamond, giving it its brilliance.
• If a diamond is too shallow, light escapes out of the bottom. If the cut of the diamond is too deep, light is returned out of the sides.
• Excellent to Very Good cuts on the GIA Cut Grading Scale reflect nearly all of the light that enters a diamond. These diamonds have the most brilliance.
• A diamond that has a Good cut reflects most of the light that enters a diamond.
• Fair to Poor cut diamonds lose most of the light out of the side or bottom from being too shallow or too deep.
• Learn more about the 4Cs of diamonds: Clarity, Color, and Carat.

Deep Cut

Diamond Color

• Color is the degree of whiteness or colorlessness in a diamond. It refers to the diamond’s absence of color.
• The highest grading on the GIA Color Grading Scale is the letter D, which means completely colorless, and continues with the increasing presence of a yellow hue to the grading letter Z, which means light yellow.
• Learn more about the 4Cs of diamonds: Cut, Clarity, and Carat.

S – Z
Light Yellow

Fancy Color Diamonds

Beyond the GIA D to Z Color Grading Scale, there are diamonds that possess natural colors such as blue, brown, green, pink, and yellow. These are known as Fancy Color diamonds, which are extremely rare.

Unlike white or colorless diamonds, fancy-color diamonds are evaluated more for their color intensity than their brilliance. The GIA uses three terms to describe the color of these diamonds: Hue, Tone and Saturation.

Hue – color of the diamond
Tone – lightness or darkness of diamond
Saturation – depth or strength of color

Carat Weight

• Carat is a measurement of a diamond’s weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams in weight.
• A diamond that weighs one carat would not necesarily have the same dimensions as a diamond weighing the same. The size of the diamond would actually depend on the diameter and the cut of the diamond.
• Learn more about the 4Cs of diamonds: Cut, Clarity, and Color.

5.00

Diamond Clarity

• Clarity is a measure of the number and size of the tiny imperfections that appear in almost all diamonds.
• These tiny imperfections are called inclusions.
• Inclusions are created by the heat and pressure during the formation of a diamond.
• The inclusions are mostly microscopic and are often not visible to the untrained eye.
• Learn more about the 4Cs of diamonds: Cut, Color, and Carat.

I1, I2, I3
Included

GIA Certificates

When it comes to something as precious and valuable as your diamond, it makes sense to obtain documentation of exact quality characteristics. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Diamond Grading Report contains scientifically determined information on diamond Shape, Clarity, Color, Cut, Carat weight, proportions and finish. It also identifies any known treatments. It is also called a diamond dossier or diamond certificate.

Most of our diamonds in store have been analyzed and graded by the GIA. It is important to note that a diamond grading report isn’t an appraisal. When shopping for a diamond, be sure to ask for a GIA Certificate so that you make a confident purchase.