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

Assessment clarity of diamonds has been design on set standards internationally. Gemologists typically use 10X microscope in conjunction with a visual inspection to analyse inclusions and determine the clarity of a diamond. Diamond clarity grading is analysed by the amount of inclusions and their specific placement inside the stone. The following guidelines will help you the criteria for evaluating the diamond quality:-

While assessing the quality of a diamond, keep in mind 4Cs. These 4Cs factors help in identifying the finest diamonds which will help you in making right choice of diamonds.

The 4Cs of diamond quality are:

• Color
• Clarity
• Cut
• Carat Weight (size)

Diamond Color

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

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.

Cut of Diamonds

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)

Grading of Diamonds in USA and Europe

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)