Diamond Q and A

There are many details involved in purchasing a piece of diamond jewelry, from recognizing the four Cs to ensuring the value of the piece has been represented accurately.

What are the four Cs?

The four Cs are color, clarity, cut and carat weight.

What is the Gemological Institute of America?

The Gemological Institute of America, also referred to as GIA, is considered by many to be the foremost gemological laboratory. GIA is the organization that established the primary guidelines used to grade diamond quality and provides rigorous training for gemologists.

How is a diamond's color graded?

A diamond's color is graded based on the absence or presence of color in the stone. Diamonds are assigned a letter grade as follows:

• D, E and F: colorless
• G, H, I and J: nearly colorless
• K, L and M: faintly tinted, typically yellow in color
• N, O, P, Q and R: lightly tinted, typically yellow in color; tint can be seen with the naked eye
• S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z: tinted, typically yellow in color but may be closer to brown; tint is visible to naked eye even when the stone is mounted

How is a diamond's clarity graded?

A diamond's clarity is graded based on the presence of flaws either within the stone or on the stone's surface. Clarity is graded using the following scale:

• Flawless (FL): no internal or external flaws (extremely rare)
• Internally Flawless (IF): no internal flaws; slight external blemishes
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): minute inclusions; difficult for an experienced grader to detect
• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): minute inclusions; not easily seen by an experienced grader
• Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): inclusions that are noticeable to an experienced grader
• Included (I1, I2, I3): obvious inclusions that can affect transparency and brilliance

What does a diamond's cut indicate?

A diamond's cut indicates the stone's proportions. The depth and width plus the uniformity of the facts of an ideal cut diamond enable light to bounce within the stone and escape through the top of the stone, which creates the diamond's trademark sparkle.

What is worth more: a piece of jewelry with a single one carat diamond or a piece with multiple diamonds of equal quality that total one carat?

A piece of jewelry with a single one carat diamond is worth more than a piece made up of multiple diamonds.

What is a diamond grading report?

A diamond grading report, also referred to as a certificate, is a document that authenticates the stone's quality and characteristics. A diamond should not be purchased without a grading report.

What are some of the characteristics evaluated in a diamond's grading report?

A standard grading report will include a plotted diagram of the diamond that lists the stone's significant characteristics, such as shape, carat weight, color, clarity, measurements and proportions, or cut. A report also will note any imperfections as well as the quality of the stone's polish and symmetry.

Who should perform an appraisal of a piece of diamond jewelry?

A piece of diamond jewelry should be appraised by an independent appraiser who has no stake in the ultimate appraised value of the piece.

Are there any home-made ways in which you can clean your diamond jewelry?

There are some household products that can be used to clean diamond jewelry, including mild liquid detergent in warm water, a half-and-half solution of ammonia and cold water, and even a glass of vodka.