How can we determine Diamonds by Cut, Clarity, Color and Size?

April 28, 2021

Established standards exist for assessing diamond clarity. Gemologists typically employ a 10X microscope in conjunction with a visual inspection to analyze inclusions and determine the clarity of a diamond. The clarity grading of a diamond is determined by the presence of inclusions and their specific locations. The following guidelines outline the criteria for evaluating diamond quality.

Prioritize consideration of the 4Cs when assessing the quality of a diamond. These factors play a crucial role in identifying the finest diamonds and can significantly assist you in making the right choice.
The 4Cs of diamond quality are:

Color
Clarity
Cut
Carat Weight (size)
In color, white brilliant is the most ideal. Here is color chart

The components comprising the GIA diamond grading scale for color include:

Colorless (D-F)
Near Colorless (G-J)
Faint (K-M)
Very Light (N-R)
Light (S-Z)

Diamond clarity classifications observed at 10x magnification encompass:

Perfect (FL): This diamond displays an absence of inclusions or imperfections.
Internally Perfect (IF): While lacking internal inclusions, slight surface blemishes may become apparent under 10x magnification.
Very, Very Small Inclusions (VVS1) and (VVS2): The diamond holds minute inclusions that prove challenging to discern, even when examined under 10x magnification.
Very Small Inclusions (VS1) and (VS2): Minor inclusions are present, occasionally visible under 10x magnification but remain imperceptible to the naked eye.
Small Inclusions (SI1) and (SI2): Noticeable inclusions become apparent under magnification and may be visible without aid.
Included (I1), (I2), and (I3): Obvious inclusions are easily visible without magnification, raising concerns about potential durability that intensify as you progress lower on the scale.

The perfect cut encompasses these three optical effects, making your diamond stunning:

- Brightness: The reflection of white light in a diamond.
- Fire: The colorful flashes produced as light refracts through the diamond, creating a prismatic effect.
- Scintillation: The interplay between light and dark areas within the diamond.

The cut quality for AGS grading ranges from:

Ideal Cut (0)
Excellent Cut (1)
Very Good Cut (2)
Good Cut (3 to 4)
Fair Cut (5 to 7)
Poor Cut (8 to 10)

The top diamond graders in the U.S. and Europe are:

Diamond High Council (HRD)
European Gemological Laboratory (EGL)
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls, and Stones (CIBJO)
American Gemological Society (AGS)
International Gemological Institute (IGI)

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