CARAT
A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. Points are not the cuts on the diamond but are actually units of weight. There are 100 points to a carat and five carat's to a gram. Ten diamonds that equal 10 points each will balance out on a scale to one diamond that weighs one carat. A 3/4ct Diamond will weigh between .70 and .79ct. Diamonds are sold on a 'Cost per Carat' or a 'Cost per point' basis so knowing the exact carat weight of the diamond is very important.

CLARITY
Virtually all natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Diamonds are graded at 10 power magnification and under examination natural inclusions can be found. There are no two diamonds exactly alike with the same inclusions and some refer to these as natures birthmarks or fingerprints. Diamonds with fewer inclusions will be of a higher clarity and will be more expense.

Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no inclusions at 10 power. Diamonds with very, very, small inclusions are in the VVS category. As you pick up more and more inclusions the grading goes to VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, then Imperfect 1, 2 and 3. Diamonds that have no visible inclusions to the naked eye are usually considered to be SI2 or better. The number, color, type, size and position of surface and internal inclusions can affect a diamonds value.

COLOR
Diamonds are graded by color, staring at D and moving through the alphabet to Z. There are no A, B or C colors except for in-house grading systems which have no meaning to you. While most diamonds appear white, virtually all display barely perceptible tints of color. Evaluating a diamond's color for grading purposes is done by measuring the degree to which a diamond approaches colorlessness.

Diamonds graded D, E and F are more expensive because they are more rare and therefore are highest in price. However, well cut diamonds with good clarity of all color grades can be equally dazzling.

CUT
A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of it's shape, scintillates with fire and light, offering the greatest brilliance and value. While nature determines a diamonds clarity, carat weight and color, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release it's fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse in a display of brilliance and fire.

Diamonds cut too deep, or too shallow, lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result poorly cut diamonds will be less brilliant and beautiful, certainly less valuable, than well cut diamonds. Be aware of jewelers who use the terms 'Perfect', 'Clear' or 'White'. These are all nondescript terms that have little meaning within the grading system. Also, be wary of those who advertise that their diamonds are "Cut to their own, precise specifications" unless they tell you exactly what those specifications should be.

The quality of the cut on a diamond can be worth as much as 40% of the diamonds value. As an example, a well cut .80ct diamond measures approximately 6mm in diameter while a similar cut 1.00ct diamond will measure about 6.5mm in diameter. The difference in cost is an increase of over 50% going from a .80ct to a 1.00ct and it is very easy to find diamonds that weigh 1.00ct with only a 6mm diameter.

How well a diamond is cut is determined by percentages. It does not matter how big your diamond is, the diameter across the center, or girdle, is considered 100% of the diamond. The height, or depth of the diamond should be in relationship to the diameter as well as the table, or the flat portion on top. Only an experienced jeweler can tell you if these percentages are correct and the value is true.