| DEF |
Colorless |
| GHIJ |
Near Colorless |
| K L M |
Faint Yellow |
| N O P Q R |
Very Light Yellow |
| STUVWXYZ |
Light Yellow |
CLARITY
To determine a diamond's clarity, it is viewed under 10-power magnification by
a trained eye. Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known
as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less
likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through
the diamond, and the more beautiful the diamond will be. Diamonds, more
than any other gemstone, have the capability to produce the maximum amount
of brilliance. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes
is very rare and therefore more valuable.
| Flawless |
VVS1, VS1, SI1, I1, I3 |
| Internally Flawless |
VVS2, VS2, SI2, I2 |
CARAT-WEIGHT
The weight of the diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into
100 "points", so that a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carats. Carat-weight
is the easiest of the 4C's to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight
can have very unequal value, depending on the cut, color and clarity,
fine quality, can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes.
Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes, depending on the nature of
the rough stone. The most popular are round, marquise,
oval, pear, heart and emerald, and the choice is largely
a matter of personal preference. Whatever the shape,
a well-cut diamond is the work of a master diamond cutter.
When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able
to handle light, creating more scintillation, more sparkle.
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