Selecting the Perfect Diamond - A Buying Guide

Purchasing a diamond is a very personal experience. The more you know about your diamond jewelry, the more confident you will feel when making the right choices.

Learn about the four characteristics (AKA "Four Cs") of diamonds below and how they play important roles in deciding which variation is right for you.

Cut Anatomy Of Diamond

 

Shape

Often confused with the cut of the diamond, the shape of the diamond is the most important factor in finding a ring that fits your personality. Choose the shape that you like based on your style and you cannot go wrong. 

Diamond Shapes

 

Cut

The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance or sparkle. Each diamond is cut differently based on different factors like the shape and the characteristics of the diamond such as flaws, the natural coloration. Every diamond is cut with facets in mind and try to get the best combination of size, shape, and clarity from the rough diamond. To maximize light performance, you will want a diamond that is cut neither too shallow nor too deep.

Diamond Cuts
 
 
 

 

Color

Diamonds are graded based on the amount of color they do or do not possess. The scale runs from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). An absolutely colorless diamond is rare and therefore very valuable.

 

Diamond Color Scale
 
 
 

 

Clarity

The clarity is judged by the number and types of these characteristics and is designated using a scale that runs from Fl, defined as flawless, to I3, defined as inclusions visible with the naked eye. A flawless diamond is truly rare.

 

Diamond Clarity Scale
 
FL, IF Diamonds
Flawless: No internal or external flaws.
 
IF Diamonds
Internally Flawless: No internal flaws.
 
VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds
Very, Very Slightly included: Very difficult to see inclusions with 10x magnification.
 
VS1, VS2 Diamonds
Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye.
 
I1, I2, I3 Diamonds
Included: Inclusions are visible with the unaided eye.

 

 

Carat Weight

Carat is the unit of measurement for determining the weight of a diamond. A carat comes in at .2 grams. Carat weight is also divided into 100 points per carat to better represent the diamond's size accurately. A 1/4 (.25) carat stone can also be expressed as 25 points and mean exactly the same thing. When comparing a 1ct and 2ct diamond, it is important to remember that the 2ct diamond's size will not be double, only the weight.

Diamond Carat Scale