Diamonds
DIAMONDS
When selecting a diamond, we consider the 4 C's: Cut, Carat, Color, Clarity.
With so much information out there, choosing a diamond may seem overwhelming. Our skilled Diamond Specialists will walk you through the process every step of the way. We can guide you in learning about the value of diamonds and the more you know, the more confident you will feel buying your diamond jewelry.
Thinking about popping the question?! We always put you and your values first as we carefully select the diamond going inside the ring that your loved one will wear and cherish forever. Pop in and browse our extensive variety of bridal lines.
Cut
The diamond's Cut is all about how the diamond's facets interacts with light. Precision and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so the proportions, symmetry and polish deliver that magnificent return of light that is only possible in a diamond. The cut grade is determined by experts by closely examining the proportions of a diamond, analyzing the brightness (amount of external and internal white light), scintillation (that sparkle!) and fire (how white light plays with all colors of rainbow).
Color
Color is all about what you aren't able to see. The higher the diamond color, the less color you'll see. The lower the color grade, the warmer the diamond may appear. The GIA Color scale begins at the top with letter D, which is colorless. It continues with increasing presence of color to the letter Z, or light yellow or brown. The way diamonds are color-graded is by comparing them to stones of known color under controlled lighting, precise viewing conditions, and a trained eye.
Clarity
Because every diamond is completely unique and one of a kind, each holds it's own clarity characteristics. Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value. Familiarize yourself with the GIA Clarity Grading Scale below.
The GIA Clarity Grading Scale
- Flawless (FL)- No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF)- No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1and VVS2)- Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification
- Very Slightly Included (VS1and VS2)- Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
- Slightly Included (SI1and SI2) - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, and I3)- Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance
Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. A metric "carat" equals 200 milligrams. And each carat can be subdivided into 100 'points'. The price of a diamond can increase with the diamond carat weight because the larger the diamond, the more rare and more desirable. However, two diamonds with equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on the other 3 C's.
