If you are looking for the best diamond from a set of diamonds, here are some factors to consider. These factors affect the diamond’s overall appearance and value. They include the carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, along with additional factors that influence a diamond's beauty, such as the gemological laboratory that certified the diamond, table percentage, depth percentage, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, girdle thickness, and length-to-width ratio.
When you first see a diamond, you are drawn to its color, making it one of the most important factors in determining the diamond’s beauty. In diamonds, "color" actually refers to the absence of color—how transparent the diamond is, like a drop of pure water. The more colorless a diamond is, the higher its value.
Learn moreNatural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in various inclusions and blemishes. Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these characteristics. Evaluating diamond clarity involves assessing the location, size, relief, nature, number, and overall effect of these characteristics on the appearance of the stone.
Learn moreDiamond cut is another important factor that determines a diamond's value. The term "cut" does not refer to the shape of the diamond (e.g., round, oval) but rather to the proportions of its parts and how well it reflects light. A well-cut diamond maximizes sparkle, fire, brilliance, and overall visual beauty. Rough diamonds have little to no sparkle because they lack facets that bounce and reflect light.
Learn moreCarat weight is a key factor in determining the price of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams, and each carat can be subdivided into 100 points. Diamonds are priced per carat (Ct), but the price per carat increases as weight goes up. This means the price per carat of a 1-carat diamond is higher than that of a 0.99-carat diamond.
Learn morePolish refers to how smooth the various facets of a diamond are, impacting how cleanly the diamond reflects light.
The quality of polish can range:
- Excellent: No polish flaws are visible under 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe).
- Very Good: Polish flaws are very difficult to spot under 10x magnification.
- Good: Polish flaws are somewhat difficult to find with 10x magnification.
- Fair: Some polish flaws are seen under 10x magnification and may also be visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are not recommended.
- Poor: Flaws are visible under magnification and to the naked eye. These diamonds are not recommended.
Symmetry refers to factors such as how the edges align, whether the facets are uniform in shape and size, and how the facets meet at the points and corners.
Here’s a breakdown of the symmetry grades:
- Excellent: Very few, if any, deviations. Tables are centered with no extra or missing facets.
- Very Good: A couple of slight deviations; may have slight misalignment or misshapen facets.
- Good: A few deviations; brilliance might be impacted by variations or a missing facet.
- Fair: Several deviations; brilliance is lowered by misalignments and misshapen features.
- Poor: Several obvious deviations; the diamond likely looks dull.
Diamond fluorescence refers to the glow a diamond emits under ultra-violet (UV) light, often seen as a blue hue. The grades of fluorescence can range from None, Faint, Medium, Strong, to Very Strong.