DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT
After determining the shape of a diamond, the next step is to learn about the carat weight of a diamond. Typically, a diamond is weighed in carats, and each carat is 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. The price of a diamond increases significantly as it reaches a full carat. Once a diamond reaches the 2-3 carat range, the price is multiplied by many times because larger stones are rare and, therefore, more expansive. For instance, if all other factors are considered equal.
Tip: if you want to save money, buying a 1.9-carat diamond may be less expensive than a full 2-carat diamond. The price jumps significantly once the diamond reaches a full-carat range.
DIAMOND CUT
The cut of a diamond is extremely important because it is the only C determined by a cutter and not nature. The cut of a diamond is complex, and several factors need to be considered while evaluating a diamond. GIA assigns a cut grade to round diamonds, but they do not yet have a standard grading system for fancy-cut stones. As a result, GIA does not assign cut grades to them.
The good news is that we have published detailed articles about each shape and how to assess its cut. Please refer to these articles to assess a diamond’s cut before buying it. For example, check our guide on oval cut diamonds before buying an oval-shaped diamond.
Tip 1: Even among GIA excellent-cut round diamonds, there is a way to differentiate between an excellent-cut diamond and what we refer to as an “ideal supercut” diamond. The best way to differentiate between them is by thoroughly analyzing the cut proportions of the diamond (read our ideal cut proportions article).
Tip 2: In both round and fancy cut diamonds, the depth and table are the most important factors in determining the quality of the cut, followed by the size of the girdle, culet, crown angle, and pavilion. Length-to-width ratios are also important in fancy-cut diamonds.
Tip 3: Dealers tend to cut stones deep to save the rough stones. Avoid a diamond with a large depth. A diamond with a big table is also not recommended because it will not have optimal fire and brilliance.
DIAMOND COLOR
When it comes to diamond color, it’s actually the absence of color that is the most desirable. Colorless Diamonds are the most rare and valued, while light yellow Diamonds are the less valued. Learn more about diamond color grades to understand the various categories when you’re picking your next diamond.
- Colorless (D,E,F)
- A diamond that is absolutely colorless is incredibly rare. In fact, even the most expensive Diamonds used in Jewelry are typically not completely colorless. Diamond color grades start at the letter D, or absolutely colorless, and go all the way to the letter Z. Colorless Diamonds range from D to F. To the eye of an experienced jeweler, even one using magnification, a colorless diamond will have no visible coloring. The only colors you might see are the ones that are reflected through the light in the diamond’s various facets. A colorless diamond is top of the line, although they are hard to find and afford because of their rarity.
- Near Colorless (G,H,I,J)
- Some Diamonds are virtually colorless, but close inspection reveals very subtle hints of yellow. In G or H near colorless Diamonds, these hints of yellow might only be visible under 10x magnification. Often, the only way to even pick up on these minor color issues is to compare a new colorless diamond to a D colorless diamond. Side by side, it might be easier to spot any imperfections in the color of the diamond. Near colorless Diamonds classed as I or J may have some yellow undertones that are visible to the unaided eye. Often, near colorless Diamonds are a great choice to pair with white or yellow gold.
- Faint Yellow (K,L,M)
- The next category of diamond color grades is faint yellow. Even to the untrained eye, these Diamonds are not colorless. Although the classification is yellow, it’s important to note that these Diamonds might also appear slightly brown or even grey. While they aren’t colorless, they can still be beautiful. These are typically a more affordable choice for buyers, often coming it at half the price of a E or F diamond. They look best in a warm setting like yellow gold. The clearest of the faint yellow Diamonds is classed as a K, followed by L and then M, which is the most yellow in this category.
- Very Light Yellow (N,O,P,Q,R)
- Very light yellow Diamonds are the next category of diamond color grades. Right away, looking at a very light yellow diamond will reveal that it is not colorless. Compared to a truly colorless diamond, a very light yellow diamond might look yellow, grey or brown. While these Diamonds are readily available, they are less common for engagement rings or high-end pieces. Nonetheless, they are typically an exceptional value because of reduced demand for this color. The subcategories of very light yellow Diamonds range from N to R, with N being the lighter in color and R being the darkest.
- Light Yellow (S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z)
- Technically, these Diamonds are still classified as white Diamonds. This makes them different from fancy color Diamonds, which might be a distinct color. However, light yellow Diamonds are obviously not colorless in any way. They are visibly a different color, and many people find the hues of these affordable Diamonds to be unappealing. In the right setting, perhaps with a yellow gold cup under the stone, a light yellow diamond can be colorful and eye-catching. You might have a hard time finding light yellow Diamonds in a Jewelry store simply because there is very limited demand for them. Light yellow Diamonds can be classified from S all the way to Z, with Z Diamonds being the darkest in color.
DIAMOND CLARITY
The clarity of a diamond is important because it directly affects its brilliance. If a diamond is full of inclusions, the stone will not sparkle and will lack luster, fire, and scintillation.
The diamond industry has developed a sophisticated system for grading the clarity of a diamond, ranging from Flawless (FL) as the highest grade and Included 3 (I3) as the lowest grade.
FL and IF (Internally Flawless) are excellent grades. Very Slightly Included 1 (VS1) and Very Slightly Included 2 (VS2) are almost flawless clarity grades. VS1 and VS2 are after Very Very Included 2 (VVS2) and are often considered eye-clean diamonds. Slightly Included 1 (SI1) and Slightly Included 2 (SI2) are at the lower end of high-quality diamonds and are close to being eye-clean in under 1-carat diamonds. Included 1 (I1) and Included 3 (I3) are the lowest clarity-graded diamonds.
Tip: FL, IF, and VVS/VS1 are excellent premium-grade diamonds. VS2 is a good option to consider while prioritizing quality and budget. SI1/SI2 needs extensive due diligence in the above 1-carat diamonds to avoid inclusions affecting the diamond’s brilliance.
