Diamond Education

Diamond Grading Explanation ~ The 4 C's

CLARITY:

Explains the presence or absence of inclusions (internal characteristics) in a diamond. These are natural minerals or fractures that have formed in the diamond during its long growth process.


       Clarity Diagram:

F         IF	VVS1      VVS2	VS1        VS2	SI1	SI2	I1         I2	I3

COLOR:

Explains the presence or absence of color (usually seen as yellow) in a diamond. D is completely colorless and very rare.

       Color Diagram:

D E F Colorless

G H I Near Colorless

J K Faint Yellow

L M N Very Light Yellow

O P Q R S Light Yellow

T U V W X Y Z Yellow

     

CUT:

Explains the proportions and symmetry in which the diamond is cut. The angles and size in which the table, crown, and pavilion are cut will determine how brilliant the diamond is. If the diamond is cut too deep or too shallow the light will not reflect properly making it appear less brilliant. Cut is the most important characteristic when considering the appearance of a diamond.

       Cut Diagram:

CARAT:

Explains the weight of the gemstone. The weight is expressed in carats, which is a unit of measure used for gemstones. One carat is made up of 100 points.