Cut
Cut refers to the quality of the cutting and polishing done on a diamond. Using expertise, a skilled diamond cutter transforms rough diamonds into polished ones– releasing the stone’s highest potential to handle light. Nature determines so much about a diamond, yet it takes a master cutter to reveal the stone’s internal brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Facet patterns that contribute to a diamond’s brilliance are the result of scientific formulas, which were perfected over the centuries. Well-cut diamonds reflect light from their interior through mirror-like facets so that it can disperse sparkling brilliance. Symmetry, balance, and fine polish are the objectives in reaching a well-cut stone. A diamond that is cut too shallow or too deep will have a negative impact on that diamond’s light performance.
Carat
Carat is often confused with the diamond’s size, but it is a measure of the stone’s weight.
In ancient times, diamonds were balanced on a scale against carob seeds– so a 3 carob stone had 3 carob seeds on the scale’s counterbalance. We say carat today– and each one carat equals 200 milligrams.
Size is an important contributor in determining the value of a diamond. Often the bigger the diamond, the higher the price tag. That’s because larger carat size diamonds are rarer. However, two diamonds of equal size can still have different values, since the value is determined by the overall quality of the stone.
Clarity
Clarity is a characteristic of the diamond’s lack of or number of internal and/or external flaws.
These flaws are called inclusions. The fewer flaws or inclusions, the greater the stone will handle light and sparkle. Abundant dark-colored inclusions will make the stone less brilliant. Any disruption to the light performance inside the diamond from an inclusion will lessen its sparkle, and as a result, its brilliance could be diminished.
Clarity Scale
The clarity scale was created by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) as a way of expressing a diamond’s clarity. The scale ranges from FL (flawless) which is the most desired, to I3 (Included 3) which is the least desired. This is the complete scale:
FL-Flawless, IF-Internally Flawless, VVS-Very Very Slightly Included, VS-Very Slightly Included, SI-Slightly Included, I-Included. Within some of the categories– there is a division, such as VVS1 and VVS2 to further describe the clarity grade.
More on Inclusions
The number of inclusions determines the level of brilliance and fire. Inclusions are natural characteristics such as embedded minerals, or even fractures which occurred during the stone’s formation.
Inclusions are sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Fingerprints.” Unless magnified, inclusions may not always be visible to the unaided eye.
The position and size of the inclusion(s) affect the diamond’s clarity grade. Since there are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, completely flawless diamonds are extremely valuable. The location of inclusions is important too. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond (viewed face up) could impact the dispersion of light, rendering the diamond less brilliant and less desirable.
To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe at 10X or a jewelers microscope. These tools allow jewelers to see the internal characteristics of the stone. Even with a loupe, inclusions in the VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) to VS (Very Slight Included) range can be very difficult to find. Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on its beauty.
Color
Diamonds are valued for their lack of color.
A totally colorless diamond acts as the best prism for light to pass through effortlessly, displaying its magnificent brilliance. Since truly colorless stones are rare in nature, they are the most desirable and valuable.
The diamond color grading scale was also established by the leading authority, GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The color grading scale begins with D for totally colorless and ends at Z for yellow stones. The differences between one grade and another may be quite subtle but have a considerable impact on its pricing and value. Colors are graded under specifically controlled lighting conditions so that the color grading is reliable. The stones are then compared to a master set for accuracy.
Besides colorless diamonds, they are also naturally produced in a rainbow of hues like blue, green, yellow, black, orange, brown, pink, or the rarest of them all, red. These diamonds are referred to as fancy colored diamonds and are extremely rare and highly desired.
Ring Anatomy
Head
On an engagement ring, the head is the portion of metal that holds the center stone. The head is made up of prongs, which secure the center stone in place.
Mounting/Setting
The mounting or setting refers to the entire ring without the center stone.
Semi-Mount
A semi-mount refers to a ring that is set with small pave diamonds, without the center stone.
Basket
The basket is a type of head that has a low profile. Basket heads are typically used for earrings and large gemstones which need to sit close to the skin.
Shank
The shank is simply the ring band. There are a variety of shank styles available such as split shank, tapered shank, or knife-edge shank, to name a few.
Cathedral
The cathedral is a mount that rises up from the side stones, similar to an arch, reaching the same level as the center stone edge. This is known as one of the most classic and elegant engagement ring settings.
Shared Prong
In a shared prong setting, rounded pieces of metal sit between each stone, securing them in place. Each stone shares a set of prongs. This setting is commonly used in most engagement rings and wedding bands, as they are very secure.
Channel Set
In a channel setting, each gemstone or diamond are set next to each other. This setting does not have prongs. Instead, two metal bars hold the diamonds in place. This setting provides ultimate sparkle without the interruption of prongs.
French Set
In a french set is a type of shared prong setting. The small diamonds sit very close together, giving the ring ultimate sparkle.