Color

Diamonds are graded by color, starting at D and moving through the alphabet to Z. While most diamonds appear white, virtually all display barely perceptible tints of color. Evaluating a diamonds color for grading purposes is done by measuring the degree to which a diamond approches colorlessness. Although it is difficult for the untrained eye to see these minor variations, a jeweler can help demonstrate them by showing them side by side. However, well cut diamonds with good clarity of all color grades can be equally dazzling, as it is the interplay of the 4C's that determines each diamond's unique beauty.

Clarity

Virtually all natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet most are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler’s 10x magnifying loupe microscope natural phenomena,  called inclusions, may be seen. These are nature’s birthmarks, and they look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. The larger the inclusion, the lower the clarity grade and the less are the diamond. Inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1 and below. The number, color, type, size and position of surface and internal birhtmarks affect a diamonds brilliance and therefore its value.

Larger diamonds are found relatively infrequently in nature, which places them at the rarest level of the Diamond Quality Pyramid. What also makes a bigger diamond so desirable is that it shows off a stone's fine color, cut and brilliant to the best of its advantage.  A diamond’s size is measured in carat weight, and each carat is equal to 100 points. A .75 carat diamond si the same as a 75-point diamond or a 3/4 carat stone. While larger diamonds are highly prized, diamonds of equal size may vary drastically in value and brilliance, depending on their qualities of clarity, cut and color.

While nature determines a diamond’s clarity, carat weight and color, the hand of a mater craftsman is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to the right proportions, light will reflect from on mirror-like facet to another and reflect light back through the top of the stone, resulting in what jewelers refer to as a diamond’s fire or brilliance. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow leak light through the sides or bottoms facets. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and certainly less valuable than well cut diamonds higher on the Diamond Quality Pyramid.