The ABC's of the 5-C's

To begin your understanding of a diamond, you need to understand The five C's of diamond evaluation: Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut and Certificate.

By understanding these qualities you can determine which traits are most important to you, and you can find a balance between them that best suits your needs.

CARAT

Carat is the weight of the diamond. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. A one carat diamond is divided into 100 points. A 0.50 carat would then be the same as 50 points or 1/2 carat.

The carat weight might be the most important thing for a woman because it will tell you how big the diamond is, but there are more factors that will make your diamond sparkle from across the room.

COLOR

The most important thing to know about color is that less of it is better. Diamonds are based on a color scale that ranges from D to Z:

Diamond Clarity Scale
GIA	Color - Commercial Grading
D, E, F	Colorless (White)
G, H, I, J	Near Colorless (White)
K, L, M	Faint Yellow
N, O, P, Q, R	Very Light Yellow
S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z	Light Yellow

Diamond that are graded DEF are considered colorless and are rare, therefore they are more valuable and most desirable. Diamonds that are graded at the other end of the spectrum "face up" (meaning when looked at from the top) with more color and are less desirable. If a color is graded darker than a Z it is considered "fancy". Fancy color diamonds do not follow this rule.

These diamonds, which are very rare and very expensive, can be any color from blue to green to bright yellow. They are actually more valuable for their color. If a diamond is graded I or J in color and it has a medium or strong blue fluorescence it can make the diamond appear much whiter. So in this case, it is a benefit.

Color is very important when deciding what diamond to choose, but you must also consider that you can have a diamond that is colorless, but if it is very highly included or poorly cut it can also affect on how the diamond looks.

CLARITY

Diamond clarity refers to the absence or presence of a diamond's flaws, internal inclusions and external blemishes.

This is one of the C's that can possibly affect the price and appearance of the diamond the most. If a diamond is heavily included it will not reflect light correctly and will not be able to maximize brilliance. Inclusions (inside the stone) and blemishes (on the surface of diamonds) make each diamond different. It establishes its own fingerprint and makes the diamonds unique.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) adhere to the same grading scale and this is widely accepted all over the world. Depending on the size and location of these characteristics this will determine the clarity grade and have a direct effect on the value of the diamond.

Diamond Clarity Scale
Symbol	Meaning	Definition
FL	Flawless	Free from all inclusions or blemishes.
IF	Internally Flawless	No inclusions visible at 10x magnification.
VVS1	Very Very Slightly Included #1	Inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x.
VVS2	Very Very Slightly Included #2	Inclusions that are very difficult to locate at 10x.
VS1	Very Slightly Included #1	Minor inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x.
VS2	Very Slightly Included #2	Minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult to locate at 10x.
SI1	Slightly Included #1	Noticeable inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x.
Sl2	Slightly Included #2	Noticeable inclusion that are very easy to locate at 10x.
I1	Included #1	Obvious inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided eye.
I2	Included #2	Obvious inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided eye.
I3	Included #3	Obvious inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided eye.

CUT

Cut is the most important factor in determining a diamond's fire and beauty.

A cutter studies the diamond rough and first imagines what shape will maximize the weight. Then heavy consideration will be given to how that diamond will be proportioned. It's these precise angles, percentages and faceting arrangements that determine the magical fire and brilliance of a diamond. If any of the parameters are out of proportion it will throw off the diamonds ability to refract light, which will make the diamond dull and have no fire.

Round,heart,square,pear,etc. are examples of different diamond shape cuts. The most brilliant diamonds are going to be round in shape and this relates to the symmetry and capability of the diamond to reflect nearly all the lights that entres. Non-round diamonds "fancy shapes" have their own individual guidelines to consider for being considered well cut.

CERTIFICATE

Diamonds are priced by their actual quality grade.

The certificate is like your passport: it identifies and attests to the specific characteristics of your diamond. Apart from a diagram of your diamond's special quirks or inclusions, the certificate details its measurements and grades such characteristics as color, clarity and cut.