Know Your Diamonds

Diamond Education

The 4Cs Of Diamonds

Seeking the perfect diamond? Choosing a diamond begins with grasping the distinct attributes of each gem. Diamonds are evaluated on the basis of the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, all of which influence the stone's beauty and worth. Delve deeper into the details of each of the diamond 4Cs.

What Is The Cut Of A Diamond?

Ever noticed the multitude of surfaces on a diamond? Its cut dictates the proportion and arrangement of facets, defining its sparkle and brilliance. Factors like diameter-to-depth ratio influence its beauty and value.

Jewelcut Offers Three Different Cut Grades

Ideal: This rare cut represents roughly the top 3% of diamond cut quality. It reflects most of the light that enters the diamond.

Very Good: This cut represents roughly the top 15% of diamond cut quality. It reflects nearly as much light as the ideal cut, but for a lower price.

Good: This cut represents roughly the top 25% of diamond cut quality. It reflects most of the light that enters, but not as much as a Very Good cut grade.

Diamond Cut And Diamond Shape Are Not The Same Thing

though these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, diamond cut, and diamond shape mean different things.

Diamond cut assesses light performance of a diamond and is based on a combination of factors: proportions, symmetry, and polish (the overall surface condition of a diamond’s facets).

Diamond shape is related to the outline of a diamond. While the round brilliant diamond is our most popular shape

What Is Diamond Color?

Diamond color is one of the 4Cs used to grade diamonds. It measures how colorless a diamond is compared to a standard chart. Higher-rated diamonds are almost colorless, while lower-rated ones may have a noticeable tint. Colorless diamonds look clear, while lower-rated ones may have a warm hue

Diamond Grades At Jewelcut Range From D (Colorless) To K (Faintly Colored)

The best diamond color is the one that fits your budget. The absence of color in a diamond is the rarest and therefore, the most expensive. While the majority of our customers choose a D or E color grade, many go with a beautiful near colorless grade to make the most of their budget and allocate more on the best cut that they can afford (which gives them more sparkle).

Deciding whether or not you want to spend more on diamond color grade is partly related to the size and shape of the diamond that you are considering, and your setting preference. You can save by knowing how color affects these attributes.

Helpful Hint: Diamond prices decline or increase in alphabetical order. For example, a diamond with a G color grade is less expensive than a diamond with a D color grade.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity is about spotting tiny flaws on the surface or inside the stone. Surface flaws are called blemishes, and inside ones are called inclusions. These flaws usually don't affect how beautiful a diamond looks because they're too small to see without special tools. Gemologists might call them 'internal characteristics' instead of flaws. These characteristics give each diamond its own special look. Diamonds with fewer and smaller flaws get the best clarity grades—and cost more because of it. Just remember, every diamond is unique and has some imperfections. They're formed deep underground with a lot of pressure and heat, so flaws are natural.

Diamond Clarity Spans 6 Categories With A Total Of 11 Clarity Grades

I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds

• I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty

SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds

• Inclusions are noticeable at 10x magnification

• If eye clean, SI diamonds are often the best value

• SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye, especially when viewed from the side

VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds

• Minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification

• Great value; Blue Nile’s most popular diamond clarity

VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds

• VVS diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes to see under 10x magnification

• VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance

• Characteristics are minuscule and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even to a trained eye

Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds

• Some small surface blemishes may be visible under a microscope on IF diamonds

• IF diamonds have no inclusions within the stone, only surface characteristics set the grade

• Visually eye clean

Flawless (FL) Diamonds

• No internal or external characteristics

• Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity

• A flawless diamond is incredibly rare because it’s nearly impossible to find a diamond 100% free of inclusions

Why SI Diamonds And VS Diamonds Are The Best Value

While the extremely rare Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds are the highest quality diamond clarity, you may want to consider a diamond that won’t break the bank. For the best value, select a diamond with inclusions that can’t be seen through the crown without magnification (also known as eye clean diamonds), like a diamond with an SI or VS clarity grade. These diamonds are much less expensive and look the same as the higher grades, visually.

What Is A Diamond Carat?

Some people get confused about the word 'carat' when it comes to diamonds. It actually just means how much the diamond weighs, not how big it looks. Also, having a bigger carat doesn't always mean it's better. Sparkle mostly depends on how well the diamond is cut, not how heavy it is. So, even a smaller diamond with a great cut can sparkle more than a bigger one with a bad cut.

Diamond Carat Price

Diamonds with higher carat weights are cut from larger rough crystals that are harder to source than small crystals. So, the relationship between carat weight and price depends on the rarity or availability of a rough crystal. Carat price is also a function of finding rough crystals with desirable color, and internal and external characteristics that will positively influence clarity when the diamond is cut.

Carat Has The Biggest Effect On Price

Movies, media, and ads have influenced how much importance people give to carat weight in diamonds. While bigger diamonds may seem like a symbol of wealth, it's not always the best choice. It's smarter to consider all aspects of the diamond—cut, clarity, color, and carat—to find the right balance and make a wise purchase.

4 Things To Know About Carat

Save by Buying Slightly Below Whole and Half Carats: Opt for a carat weight just below the whole or half-carat marks, like 1.90 instead of 2.00. You'll save money without anyone noticing the difference.

Prioritize Cut for Maximum Sparkle: Invest in a great cut, as it enhances the diamond's sparkle the most. Even a big diamond with perfect color and clarity can look dull with a poor cut.

Consider Fancy Shapes for Better Value: Fancy-shaped diamonds generally cost less per carat than round ones. They can also look larger, especially when set in a halo.

Account for Finger Size: Keep in mind the wearer's finger size; smaller fingers make the diamond appear larger. A 1.50 carat diamond looks bigger on a size 6 finger than on a size 8."

Every Diamond At Jewelcut Has A GIA Certificate

Established in 1931, the non-profit Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. This laboratory is known for consistency and unbiased diamond grading systems. Diamonds that are accompanied by GIA grading reports are the most highly valued in the industry. Every loose diamond at Jewelcut has been analyzed and graded by the GIA. You’ll find a GIA diamond certificate on every diamond details page.

What Is The Best Diamond Shape?

Thanks to its unrivaled sparkle and brilliance, the round diamond is our bestseller. It looks great in a wide range of settings, and is naturally flattering to many different hand and finger shapes. Non-round fancy-shaped diamonds, such as princess, emerald, pear, and Asscher are less popular than rounds, but offer an array of beautiful style options. Plus, these distinctive shapes often cost less than rounds of the same carat weight, allowing you to make the most of your budget. Ultimately the diamond shape that you fall in love with comes down to personal preference. You’re the one who gets to admire it every day!