When considering the cut of a diamond, most people think of the shape of a diamond. The cut of a diamond, however, actually refers to the proportions of the stone.

Ideal
These diamonds are the best possible cut, nearly perfectly proportioned and reflect virtually all of the light that enters the diamond.

Very Good
These diamonds reflect almost as much light as an ideal cut diamond but do not meet the preferred proportions exactly.

Good
These diamonds reflect a lot of the light that enters them, but not as much as very good or ideal cut diamonds.

Fair
These diamonds fail to reflect a significant amount of light that enters them. While they may be of good size, they are not as brilliant as higher quality cut diamonds.

Poor
These diamonds are cut too shallow or too deep to reflect much light. They are not recommended.

Diamonds tend to be graded on a scale from D to Z, with D being totally colorless, and Z being visibly tinged with yellow.

The less colour in a diamond the higher the value and brilliance of the sparkle. Near-colourless diamonds prove to be the most popular choice.

Most gemologists further break down this scale into sections – D through F are considered colourless, G through J nearly colourless, K through M faintly yellow, and N through Z light yellow.

It is easy to get lost in these letter designations and believe they represent important distinctions, but the truth is that even experienced diamond sellers often cannot identify such subtle gradations with the naked eye.

The carat weight of a diamond has a major influence on the value and cost of the diamond. In order to create a diamond, a set of very specific conditions must be met.

These conditions are rare. When diamonds do form, they are typically smaller in size. Larger diamonds are scarce (and more in demand), and therefore, they have more value.

In fact, the value of a diamond rises sharply as its size increases.

The term carat total weight is used to describe the total weight of all of the diamonds in a piece of jewelry. For example, a ring with five 0.25 carat diamonds would have a carat total weight of 1.25 carats.

It’s important to note, however, a single large diamond is almost always worth more than multiple smaller diamonds totaling the same weight.

So, a 1.25 carat diamond solitaire ring will usually cost more than a ring with similar, smaller diamonds with a carat total weight of 1.25 carats.

Diamonds that have the fewest, smallest and least visible inclusions receive the highest clarity grades and are the most valuable. Clarity is determined under a 10x loupe magnification by an experienced grader. These include:

FL, IF: “Flawless, or Internally Flawless”
These diamonds contain no inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

VVS1-VVS2: “Very, Very Slightly Included”
These diamonds contain very small inclusions that are very hard to see under 10x magnification.

VS1-VS2: “Very Slightly Included”
These diamonds have inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification with some effort. They are not visible to the naked eye, however, and do not typically affect the diamond’s beauty.

SI1-SI2: “Slightly Included”
These diamonds have inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification without effort.

I1-I2-I3: “Included”
These diamonds contain inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification and can typically be seen with the naked eye.