Diamonds are the most prized of all the gemstones. They are the hardest mineral on the Earth, even though they are simply formed from carbon, and are revered for their durability and beauty. Through out history the diamond has had its place in jewelry, and today it is the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, anniversary jewelry, and as an accent for colored gemstone jewelry and symbolizes an everlasting love.

When purchasing a diamond, whether loose or already mounted in a piece of jewelry, it is very important to understand how diamonds are valued and graded. Having knowledge of the "4 C's" of diamonds will help to ensure that you receive the best quality and value for your budget.

Carat Weight

The size, or weight, of a diamond is determined by weighing the diamond while it is loose. The unit of measure that is used is carat weight. One carat is equal to .2 grams (one fifth of a gram). Another way to refer to the weight of a diamond is by using the term points. One carat is equal to 100 points. If a diamond is 0.50 carats, it can also be stated as being 50 points.

The carat weight of a diamond can also be approximated if it is already mounted in a piece of jewelry by using certain formulas, however, this method is never as accurate as actually weight the diamond in its loose state.

Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to the shape of the diamond, such as round brilliant cut, emerald cut or radiant cut. This seems simple enough, but there is much more involved in the cut of a diamond than most people will assume. Cut is probably the most overlooked of the 4 C's, and is one of the most important. A properly cut gemstone is porportioned so that the maximum amount of light will enter the diamond and then be reflected back up to the eye. This is what creates the fire, brightness and scintillation in a diamond which make it the most desirable gemstone in the world. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, the light that enters the diamond will escape out of the side or bottom of the diamond and the eye will see a dark spot.

Clarity

Most diamonds have traces of non-crystalized carbon, crystals from other gemstones, or growth markings internal to the main crystal of the gemstone. These internal markings are present from the time of the diamonds formation, and are called inclusions or clarity characteristics. The quantity and visibility of these inclusions under 10X magnification is what determines the clarity of a diamond.

FL (Flawless) - No visible internal inclusions or external blemishes

IF (Internally Flawless) - Only minor surface blemishes, no internal inclusions

VVS1-VVS2 - Very, Very slight inclusions. Very difficult to find with 10X magnification.

VS1-VS2 - Very slight inclusions.

SI1-SI2 - Slight inclusion. Easier to find with 10X magnification.

I1-I3 - Inclusions present. Very easy to see with magnification. In many cases, inclusions will be visible with the naked eye.

Color

Most diamonds on the market are considered by the general population as being white diamonds. It is true they appear white, however there is a great deal of subtlety when it comes to determining the color grade of a diamond. Very few diamonds are considered completely colorless. Most diamonds have some degree of yellow or brown coloring to them. Diamonds are given a color grade that ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

Diamond Buying Tips

The best advice when searching for a diamond to purchase is to always see the diamond in person, and view the diamond under 10X magnification or better. A diamond may have a very high color and clarity grade on paper, but if it is cut poorly, the diamond will not sparkle nicely. You should fall in love with a diamond, just the way you fall in love with the person who the diamond is intended for. The right diamond will choose you.

If searching for a diamond through online diamond dealers, be sure to find one that will send the diamond for you to view before you are obligated to purchase the diamond. The diamond inventory website that we use at Georgetown Jewelers, IJODiamonds.com, will ship any diamond that is available directly to our store for you to view in our gemstone microscope without any obligation to you.

Also here at Georgetown Jewelers, we will warranty the items that we sell. This is not the case with some online retailers, especially those who do not have an established history and reputation. Their websites may be there one day and gone the next, and you may have no way to contact the seller after you have purchased your diamond.

We pride ourselves on guiding and supporting our customers through every step of the diamond-buying process, from beginning to end. Even after you purchase your diamond with us, we will be there to address any questions you may have. Confidence in our GIA expertly trained staff is what keeps customers coming back to us for all their diamond needs.