Cut
After a rough diamond is mined, it is evaluated to determine its best possible cut, in order to maintain the maximum clarity, color, and carat weight.  The term “cut” is often confused with diamond “shape”, such as round brilliant or princess cut.

Clarity
Every diamond is composed mostly of carbon.  During the heating process, other elements become trapped inside, giving each diamond its own unique fingerprint.  These inclusions are what help to identify your diamond.

Color
Diamonds range from colorless to yellow or light brown, and are sometimes found in a spectrum of fancy colors such as yellow, blue, pink and even red.  The less color, the rarer the diamond; however when it comes to fancy intense colors, those are the rarest of all.

Carat Weight
The word carat comes from the word carob, a Mediterranean seed, which has an extremely consistent weight for measuring.  The greater the carat weight, the rarer and more valuable the diamond becomes.

Color Chart

D - Colorless

E-F - Colorless

G-J - Near Colorless

K-M - Faint Yellow

N-R - Very Light Yellow

S-Z - Light Yellow

After "Z" on the color scale, diamonds become fancy yellow, which cost more because of their rarity.

Clarity Chart

F - No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.

1F - No Inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.

VVS1-VVS2 - Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see.

VS1-VS2 - Inclusions are clearly visible but can be characterized as minor.

S11-S12 - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader.

11-13 - Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance.

(All diamonds are viewed through a 10x magnifacation lens by diamond graders.)