Cut
Good cut: Quality at a lower price than a very good cut, still producing a beautiful diamond for the budget-minded.
Very Good cut: Very slightly less measurable fire or sparkle than an ideal cut diamond, at a more affordable price.
Excellent cut: Highest cut grade. Its proportions produce a beautiful balance of fire and sparkle in a diamond.
Ideal cut: Perfectly proportioned to reflect maximum light, creating the highest level of brilliance and sparkle.
Shape
What Is A Diamond Shape?
Shape refers to the geometric outline and overall physical form of a diamond. Every diamond shape has its own attributes and cut specifications, which also play a large factor in the overall look of the stone.
Clarity
SI1-S12: Slightly included. Inclusions noticeable at 10x. Best value if eye-clean. SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye.
VS1-VS2: Very slightly included. Minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification.
VVS1-VVS2: Very, very slightly included. Characteristics miniscule and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even to a trained eye.
Flawless (FL): No internal or external characteristics.
Internally Flawless (IF): May have external blemishes only. Both extremely rare.
Color
K color: The first of the “faint” color grades, meaning color may be detectable to the naked eye. K-color diamonds can offer great value.
J color: The last of the “near-colorless” grades, color may be slightly detectable to unaided eye, particularly in fancy shapes/diamonds over 1-carat.
I color: Color may be only slightly detectable upon close examination. Exceptional value.
H color: CA “near-colorless” grade, color is only noticeable when compared to much higher color grades. Excellent value.
G color: The highest “near-colorless” grade. Color may be detectable when compared to much higher “colorless” grades. Excellent value.
F color: A “colorless” grade appreciated best set in platinum or white gold. Faint color detectable by a trained gemologist.
E color: A “colorless” grade appreciated best set in platinum or white gold. Traces of color difficult for even trained eye to detect.
D color: Highest, absolutely “colorless” grade, appreciated best set in platinum or white gold. Exceptionally rare.
PRICE
CARAT
