The Quality and Value of a diamond is measured in the four C's – Clarity, Color, Carat, Cut. The Certificate tells you the clarity, color, carat weight and cut of the diamond. It will also tell you the symmetry and polish.
At Jewels By Viggi we can help you choose a diamond that suits your personal taste.
Nearly all diamonds have traces of other minerals that occurred over time during the formation of the diamond.
The clarity of the diamond is determined by the amount and location of the imperfections, known as inclusions, when viewed under 10 power (10x) magnification. The diamond clarity is rated from Flawless to Imperfect 3. The rating scale begins value with FL/1F, which is flawless. If there are very, very small inclusions, the rating is VVS1 or VVS2, moving down to VS1 or VS2. Below that you find SI1 or SI2 and I1- I3 indicating higher levels of inclusions.
Diamonds are rated by their color or lack of color. Colors are caused by slight traces of nitrogen in the formation process of the diamond.
The rating scale begins with D as the colorless diamond, and moves down through the alphabet according to the degree of color:
D, E, F – colorless
G, H, I, J – near colorless
K, L, M – faint yellow
N, O, P, Q, R – very light yellow
S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z – light yellow
Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These fancy colors are rare and valuable.
Carat is the unit of weight for the diamond. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. Value per carat increases with carat size, because larger rough diamonds are found less frequently.
Cut refers to the symmetry, and polish of the diamond. This determines how the diamond will reflect light off its angled facets. When a diamond is cut to excellent proportions, light will reflect from one facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.