Diamond Education

Selecting the perfect diamond for you starts with a little education. We begin here with the 4 C’s: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity.

  • Carat

    Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric "carat" is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 'points.' This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place.

  • Cut

    Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamond's cut as shape (round, emerald, pear),but a diamond's cut grade is really about how well a diamond's facets interact with light.

  • Color

    The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues, with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z.

  • Clarity

    This process of creating a diamond in nature can result in a variety of internal characteristics called 'inclusions' and external characteristics called ‘blemishes’. The Diamond Clarity Scale begins with Flawless and goes all the way to Included.

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TABLE

The top facet of a diamond is the table. If the table is out of proportion to the body of the jewel, it will negatively affect the brilliance and fire.

DEPTH

Depth of a diamond is measured by drawing an imaginary line between the center of the Top (table) and bottom (culet) facets.

CULET

The bottom point or facet of the diamond is the culet. A small, flat face at the culet is undesirable for a round cut diamond, but may provide positive characteristics for other shapes and styles.

CROWN ANGLE

When a diamond’s crown is cut at an ideal angle, the jewel will yield optimal sparkle and fire. If the crown angle is too steep, the jewel will display limited sparkle when viewed from overhead. If the crown angle is too shallow, the diamond could seem flat and translucent.

GIRDLE

The girdle is typically a thin edge of the diamond where it can be held by the setting.

PAVILION ANGLE

Much like the crown angle, the pavilion affects sparkle and brilliance. When cut properly, the pavilion will emit the most sparkle through the top of the jewel. Cutting too shallow limits sparkle and makes the diamond seem glasslike. If the angle is too large the diamond will not emit optimal sparkle.

The Diamond measurement and proportions define a diamond’s overall visual appeal. Some diamonds are cut to emphasize the total carat weight, while others are designed to enhance brilliance and luster. Gemologists use these measures to precisely measure each diamond’s unique personality.

Light & Sparkle

  • Depth Percentage

    Depth percentage expresses a width to depth ratio for the diamond, and is a key determinant in grading a stone cut. The depth of the stone from Table to Culet should measure between 58% and 64% of the diameter across the width of the girdle to maximize sparkle emitted.

  • Table Percentage

    The width of the table (top facet) in relation to the overall diameter of the diamond establishes the Diamond table percentage. Too large, and the Diamond can appear flat and translucent. The ideal proportions of a diamond table percentage is within the range of 53% to 58%, Excellent is 58.1% to 60% and Good range between 60.1% to 64%.

  • Polish

    Grading for polish quality refers to the overall craftsmanship of the finished diamond. Are the edges sharp? Are the facets smooth and flat? Polishing wheel marks should not be visible without magnification.

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