Diamond Education

Since the dawn of time, diamonds have held an exalted place in history, as they were coveted by goddesses and kings. Today, the average consumer can purchase these scintillating gems in a breathtaking range of shapes, colors and designs. Before you shop for diamonds, it's wise to know the basics: The Famous 4Cs.

Carat - The measurement of a diamond's weight, this word is derived from the carob seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient times. For jewelry purposes, carats are further divided into points, a one-carat stone equaling 100 points. Therefore, a half-carat stone may be referred to as "50 points," a quarter-carat, "25 points," etc.

Clarity - A diamond's clarity is determined by any external irregularities and the number of internal "inclusions." Most diamonds contain some inclusions, but many are microscopic in nature and can be seen only under powerful magnification. Spots, bubbles or lines are marks that make each stone unique, but generally, the fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the stone. Clarity is graded on a scale ranging from "flawless" to "imperfect."

• FL- Flawless- No internal or external inclusions. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.

• IF- Internally Flawless: To be graded "flawless," a diamond can have no inclusions visible to a trained eye using a 10-power magnification in good light and only minor blemishes are tolerated. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.

• VVS1,

• VVS2- Very, Very Slightly Included: Contain minute inclusions that are Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. VVS diamonds are very rare and are An excellent quality diamond.

• VS1,

VS2- Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are difficult to locate under 10x magnification. Typical VS inclusions are small crystals, feathers or distinct clouds. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

• SI1, SI2- Slightly Included: Slightly Included:

inclusions including clouds, knots, crystals, cavities, and feathers that are easily visible under 10x magnification to an experienced gemologist and may be visible with the unaided eye. A great value.

• I1, I2, I3- Included: Diamonds with significant inclusions.

Color - Diamonds can be found in every color of the spectrum, but in "white" diamonds, the most valued gemstones are those with the least color of yellow, allowing them to reflect and refract light. White diamonds are graded on a scale beginning with "D" and ending at “Z” indicating a total colorlessness, progressing down the alphabet for lower qualities. Most diamonds have a slight hint of yellow. “D” color diamonds are the most rare. The best way to see the true color of a diamond is by looking at it against a white surface.

• D Absolutely colorless. The highest color grade, which is extremely rare.

• E Colorless. Only minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist. A rare diamond.

• F Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but still considered a "colorless" grade. A high-quality diamond.

• G-H Near-colorless. Color noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades, but these grades offer excellent value.

• I-K Near-colorless. Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.

• L-N Faint color noticeable. Not carried by Stone Peak Jewelry

• O-S Not carried by Stone Peak Jewelry.

• T-Z Not carried by Stone Peak Jewelry.

Cut - This is what gives a diamond its fiery sparkle. Each diamond, regardless of shape, is cut according to an exact mathematical formula. For example, a round, brilliant-cut diamond has 58 "facets," or small, flat, polished planes that are designed to yield the maximum amount of light. This reflection, known as brilliance, is an extremely important factor in evaluating the quality of a diamond.
Diamond Diagram-

• 05/22/2010 Diamonds Win the Heart