Diamond Profile
All you need to know about diamond

How to choose a diamond which fits you? You need to know four criteria: Color, Clarity, Carat and Cut These are so called 4C. Through these criteria, you will understand the value of diamond.



Carat
Carat is the unit of weight for the diamond. A carat is further subdivided in 100 points ( 0.01 carat = l point ). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. Value per carat increases with carat size, because larger rough diamonds occur less frequently. In other words, 2 half-carat diamonds taken together will not cost as much as 1 one-carat diamond, as the one-carat stone is more rare.
Clarity
A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under 10x magnification. Under this observation, undetective characteristic on the surface or inclusion will not effect grading judgement. The GIA uses as standard equipment binocular stereo microscopes which are able to zoom to higher magnifications. These microscopes are equipped with darkfield illumination, as well as an ultraviolet light filtered overhead light. When grading is performed using a 10x handheld loupe, 'darkfield' illumination is more difficult to achieve.
Clarity Scale

Clarity is a quality of diamonds relating to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond. As with the color of a diamond, they are almost never completely clear and often contain trace minerals known as inclusions. Therefore, GIA does not suggest the term as flaw, as it may implies negative meanings. A proper term to address these naturally contained materials within diamonds would be inclusions, or blemishes. Diamond which graded over VS is still beautiful and solid.
The GIA Grading System
FL FLAWLESS
IF INTERNALLY
FLAWLESS
VVS1 VERY VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
VVS2
VS1 VERY SLIGHTLY
VS2 INCLUDED
SI1 SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
SI2
I1 IMPERFECT
I2
I3
Color
Color describes the amount of color the diamond contains. This can range from colorless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These rainbow-like colors are rare and therefore more valuable.
Cut
Many people confuse cut with the shape of diamond. In fact, cut refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Well cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices. A well cut diamond, no matter how it is inlaid, will look sparkling. There is no need to be worried about your own judgment.