Diamond Rings at Gems - Diamond Information

Diamond Clarity

Flawless - No internal or external flaws.

Internally Flawless - No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.

VVS1, VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.

VS1, VS2 - Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1, SI2 - Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, SI clarity diamonds are usually of the best value since inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

SI3 - Slightly Included-EGL: SI3 is an EGL grade and is not recognized by GIA or other gemological institutions. It may be graded by GIA as either SI2 or I1. SI3 diamonds never have any black inclusions or cracks visible to the naked eye, but may have some very minor white inclusions which can be seen with the naked eye.

I1 - Included: an I1 clarity diamond will have a visible flaw which can be seen with the naked eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not too obvious.

I2, I3 - Included: These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the naked eye, and will have many black spots from the black inclusions and appear cloudy from the white inclusions, feathers and cracks.

Diamond Colour

Carat Weight

This is the weight of a diamond measured in carats. One carat is equal to 100 "points," meaning a diamond of 75 points weighs 0.75 carats. Carat weight is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond.

However, diamonds of equal carat weights can have different prices, depending on their quality. Diamonds of high quality can be found in all size ranges.

Diamonds are measured by carat weight, and not size so two diamonds of the same weight could have different sizes.

The reason for this is If a diamond is cut too flat or shallow it will have a larger diameter, but shallow depth. This makes it appear to be larger. Similarly, if a diamond is cut too deep or pointed it will have a smaller diameter and deep depth and therefore appear smaller.

For these reasons, the cut is very important. The diamond should be cut to proper proportions as it affects the diamond's ability to reflect light. Also, a poorly cut diamond will not be proportionate in size to a diamond cut to proper specifications.

For example, if you are interested in a 1.00ct diamond solitaire with a table of only 47%, the diamond will be cut too steeply and will look like a 0.80ct diamond instead.

Diamond Shapes

Diamonds come in a variety of shapes. Do not confuse 'cut' with 'shape', as cut is what determines how well-cut a diamond is, whereas diamond shape is the shape into which it was cut.

	Round Brilliant - The round brilliant is the modern version of the round which has been refined for maximum shine. The round brilliant good angles for which to shine maximum brilliance.
	Princess - A square cut diamond that has refractive properties almost near round brilliant. The princess is the preferred square cut shape over radiant.
	Radiant - The radiant has more facets than a princess, but has the corners trimmed like the emerald shape.
	Heart - A heart shape diamond is often selected for sentimental purposes.
	Emerald - A  traditional shape conveying elegance.
	Marquise - Like the emerald, the marquise is a traditional shape.
	Oval - Used more for three stone anniversary rings than for solitaires, with two matching diamonds on the sides.
	Pear - Used mainly in pendants, the pear shape diamond is shaped in a tear drop shape and has fairly good proportions to refract light well.