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Glossary of Diamond Grading Terms

CARAT: The weight of diamond is expressed in units called “carats”. One-carat (1.00) is equal to 0.200 grams.

CUT: Proportions and finish of a polished diamond. Cut also refers to the outward shape of a diamond. Proportions are the size and angle relationship between the facets and different parts of the diamond. Finish includes polish and details of facet shape and placement. Cut affects both the weight yield from rough diamonds and the optical efficiency of the polished diamond.

CLARITY TERMS

I1 through I3

The clarity grade of "I" basically involves diamonds with imperfections that may affect beauty, brilliance or both. It is subdivided into three categories marked by numbers. The best of this category has a one and the worse is designated a three. Therefore, I1, I2 and I3 are the grades - I3 being the lowest grade. Although some diamonds probably deserve a grade below I3, there simply is no such grade in GIA's system. A rule of thumb is that if you can see inclusions or blemishes, it is probably an "I" clarity grade.

SI1 through SI2

This group involves diamond with inclusion that may or may not be visible without magnification. The "S" stands for "slightly." Thus, these are termed "slight imperfect." Like the "I" grades, the one is better than the two. Therefore, SI and SI2 are the grades. Although you may be able to see a prominent inclusion in an SI2 graded diamond, the usual rule of thumb is that you need to observe the diamond in a face-down position rather than a face-up position to see its inclusions. You may encounter an SI3 grade. This grade, invented by the European Gemological Laboratory is a grade used by them and it does not follow GIA standard of clarity grading.

VS1 through VS2

These are the "very slightly imperfect" grade of diamonds. The "I" representing "imperfect" has been dropped to abbreviate the clarity term. As before, the VS1 is best and the VS2 is the lower grade. Starting with this grade level, the use of magnification will be needed to observe inclusions or blemishes. Position, number and darkness of the small inclusions will determine the level within this grade.

VVS1 through VVS2

You may have already guessed that the letters stand for "very slightly imperfect." If you did, then you would be right. Once again, the numbers follow the other clarity grades and further serve to fine tune the grading steps. These inclusions are very minute and may only include a pinpoint under magnification. Two pinpoints of a white to colorless tint might be the lower level.

FL and IF

Actually, there are two grades of flawless. One is reserved for diamonds that have no flaws internally or externally. That one is Flawless or FL. The other grade of flawless allows some very minor blemishes on the diamond but it has to be internally flawless. That grade is Internally Flawless or IF. What is interesting to note is that GIA teaches gemologists to not use the term "flaws" when referring to inclusions and at the same time promotes a grade of flawless. We agree that nature does not flaw a diamond but leaves natural mineral inclusions.

 
COLOR: The amount of color in a diamond is visually estimated by comparing the diamond to other diamonds of known color using a universally accepted system for color grading. While most diamonds have a faint tinge of color, diamonds with virtually no color are considered rare, as are diamonds with vivid body colors such as blue, green and pink.

COST:  the price of diamonds are determined by professional jewelers who have had years of training to use the 4Cs method of determining the price of your diamond.  Carat, Cut, Clarity, Color, is used to determine the appraised cost.

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