Diamonds 101: A Guide To Diamond Quality and Cuts

DIAMONDS. A GUIDE TO DIAMOND QUALITY AND CUTS 101 THE FOUR Cs OF DIAMONDS THE MOST CUT IMPORTANT REFERS TO of the Four Cs the placement and number of facets on the stone 13- GIVES a diamond its brilliance and sparkle MOST CLARITY CLARITY DIAMONDS MEASURES have some imperfections, how clear the diamond is to known as "inclusions" the naked eye and under a magnifying glass RANKED BY LETTERS: Flawless (EXTREMELY RARE) IF Flawless (VERY RARE) VVS1- VVS2 Very very slightly included VS1-VS2 OOO Very slightly included SI1-S12 Slightly included 11-12-13 Included DIAMONDS COME IN MANY FOR CLEAR COLOR COLORS: DIAMONDS, yellow, brown, orange, the less color there is, the pink, blue, green, purple, more valuable the diamond or nearly colorless D- $$ $$ (COLORLESS) (LIGHT YELLOW) RANKED from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow) CARAT CARAT THE VALUE MEASURES a diamond's weight of a diamond goes up exponentially with the carat weight CARAT 0.2 GRAMS 1 CARAT = 0.2 GRAMS about the weight of a paperclip POPULAR DIAMOND CUTS ROUND BRILLIANT PRINCESS EMERALD The most popular Second most popular Rectangular cut with diamond shape diamond shape intricate facets 57 facets for the most Square or rectangular Fewer facets than brilliance and sparkle with pointed corners other cuts makes of any shape clarity more evident ASSCHER MARQUISE PEAR Similar to the Emerald Oval-shaped with Teardrop-shaped with cut, but more square tapered, pointed ends a rounded bottom and pointed top Originated at the turn of Can create the illusion An unconventional the 20th century that the diamond is and unique choice larger than it really is for a diamond CUSHION Rounded corners and larger facets Also known as the "pillow-cut" INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY OME Consignment CENT IE www.homeconsigncenter.com Sources: http://www.diamond.com/diamond-jewelry-education/diamond-shape/ http://www.igi-usa.com/igi_4Cs.htm http://wedding.theknot.com/getting-engaged/mariage-proposals/articles/8-engagement-ring-shopping-tipsaspx?Msdvisit=1 http://www.gia.edu/gia-about/4Cs-Clarity http://www.gia.edu/gia about/4Cs-Carat