About Dimond
Diamond Shapes
Each diamond “shape” (for instance, round, princess, or radiant) refers to its outline when viewed from above. While every shape has its own defining traits, which one you find beautiful is a matter of personal preference. Because each silhouette differs so much, the criteria for judging quality vary from one shape to another. Review the examples below to discover which form resonates with you. If you have any remaining questions, our Diamond & Jewelry Consultants are here to help you find your ideal diamond.
Diamond Carat Weight
A diamond’s carat measures its weight, but that alone doesn’t tell the full story of how large it appears. Since we evaluate size by looking at the diamond’s face-up profile—exactly how it will appear in a ring—carat weight must be considered alongside two other factors:
1. Millimeter Diameter: The measurement across the diamond’s table (its top surface).
2. Cut Grade: A well-cut diamond reflects maximum light out of the top, making it look bigger and more brilliant.
Just as a person’s weight isn’t always proportional to their height, the carat weight by itself can be misleading. A shallow-cut diamond might hide much of its weight in the pavilion, causing it to look smaller than a deeper-cut stone of the same carat. Conversely, a slightly lighter diamond with an ideal cut can face-up larger than a heavier diamond that’s cut poorly. After you choose your preferred cut, color, and clarity grades, you can confidently select the carat weight that fits your budget. Remember: 1 carat equals 100 points, so 50 points is ½ carat, 75 points is ¾ carat, and so on. The chart below shows how various carat weights appear once set—note that a 2-carat diamond does not look twice as large as a 1-carat diamond when viewed from above.
Clarity
Clarity describes the quantity, size, type, and placement of internal flaws (inclusions) or surface irregularities (blemishes) visible under 10× magnification. No diamond is perfect, so the “cleaner” a stone is, the more valuable it becomes. Standard clarity grades include:
• FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible at 10×—the rarest and most expensive grade.
• IF (Internally Flawless): No internal inclusions under 10×, though tiny surface imperfections may exist.
• VVS-1 (Very, Very Slightly Included 1): One minute inclusion only noticeable to a trained grader at 10×.
• VVS-2 (Very, Very Slightly Included 2): Minute inclusions generally only detected by a trained eye under 10×.
• VS-1 (Very Slightly Included 1): Very small inclusions visible with 10× magnification.
• VS-2 (Very Slightly Included 2): A few very small inclusions seen at 10×.
• SI-1 & SI-2 (Slightly Included 1 & 2): Noticeable inclusions under 10×, though often not visible to the naked eye.
A VS-1 diamond and an SI-2 diamond might appear identical to most observers, yet their clarity grades differ significantly. That is why having an expert grade a diamond’s clarity is crucial. The chart below shows how each clarity grade might look under a 10× loupe.
The following chart gives some examples of how each grade might look under a 10x loupe.
Color
Color grading evaluates how close a diamond is to being entirely colorless. Except for fancy-color diamonds (which stand apart on their own scale), the most prized stones exhibit little to no tint. Non-fancy diamonds fall on a “D to Z” scale:
• D: Absolutely colorless—the most coveted grade.
• E–F: Nearly colorless, with minute traces only visible to a trained grader.
• G–H: Near-colorless; slight warmth is detectable only by experts.
• I–J: Slightly tinted; often appear colorless once set in jewelry.
• … and so forth down to “Z,” which shows light yellow.
Once a stone’s color becomes richer than “Z,” it is classified as “fancy,” and those fancy-color diamonds—like vivid yellows—typically carry a premium over lightly tinted stones.
We hope this overview clarifies how diamond shape, carat weight, clarity, and color all contribute to a stone’s final beauty. If you need personalized guidance or have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us—our Diamond & Jewelry Consultants are ready to assist!
