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Raw diamond crystal on a dark rocky surface illuminated from one side.

DIAMOND CHARACTERISTICS

A diamond is essentially the hard substance found in nature.  They are composed of carbon atoms which are formed over millions of years at about 100 miles beneath the earth's surface, in stable portions of the continental crust known as cratons. With the right conditions of high pressure and high temperature, carbon atoms found is melting rocks bond together forming diamonds.

Traditionally, the quality of a diamond is reflected in characteristics which include Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Each of these characteristics affects a diamond’s beauty and value.

Diagram of a diamond showing labeled parts including table, crown, girdle, pavilion, and culet.

CLARITY

Diamond clarity describes the quality of the diamond in relation to existing and visible appearances of surface flaws (blemishes) and internal impurities (inclusions). The range runs throught Flawless to Included, A diamond with no blemishes or inclusions is referred to as Flawless, being the most valuable. The number, color, size, location and visibility of inclusions, which are graded under a 10 x magnification, affect the clarity of a diamond.

Visual clarity scale for diamonds ranging from flawless (FL) ,(VVS) (VS) and  level 3 (I3).
Clarity

COLOR

Diamond color refers to the amount of color and hue available in a diamond’s composition. The color range of diamonds falls under the D-Z Scale, D being colorless, and Z having the most color and hue. A chemically pure diamond, which contains no color and hue, has a higher value due to rarity. Diamonds that fall in a scale after the Z-Range are considered to be Fancy Colored Diamonds. It is important to understand that in each scale of color, there is a range of colors; two F-Color diamonds might not be the same absolute color, even to the naked eye.

Graduated color scale for diamonds, showing progression from D (colorless) to Z (yellow).
Color

CUT

Diamond cut is an essential factor to a diamond’s sparkle and brilliance. ‘Cut’ refers to the placement of the facets, symmetry, proportion, and polish of a diamond. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its’ cut. A well cut diamond will shine far brighter than a diamond with a poor cut. It is important to understand that Diamond cut is not the same as the diamond shape. Shape refers to the general external appearance of the diamond. Popular diamond shapes include round, oval, emerald cut, heart-shaped, marquise, and pear-shape.

Comparative view of diamond cuts, focusing on facet arrangement and cut geometry.
Cut

CARAT WEIGHT

Diamond carat weight is a metric measurement which refers to how much a diamond weighs.  Each ‘carat’ is equivalent to 200 milligrams. As a diamonds carat weight increases, so does its value, as larger diamonds are rarer and more sought after. It is important to understand though, that two diamonds of the same carat weight do not necessarily have the same value, as clarity, color and cut play major roles in the value of the diamond.

Sequential chart of diamond sizes from 0.1 to 5 carats displayed in scale.
Carat Weight
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