Diamond Fundamentals Chart (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

a jeweler’s loupe, which magnifies the stone, can reveal any impurities. Many people are

perfectly content with eye clean diamonds as they appear perfect to the eye and to family and

friends.

Like color grading, diamonds have a clarity grading scale as well. The most commonly accepted

standard was devised by Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which we will describe in

more detail later. Here is a table:

Internally

Very, Very Slightly

Very Slightly

Flawless

Included

Slightly Included Included

I1 / I2 /

VVS1 / VVS2

VS1 / VS2

SI1 / SI2

Diamonds that that lean towards the left side of the table, fetch much higher values than those on

the left. GIA uses 10x magnifications as their standard. So, a diamond that is “FL” will have

absolutely zero inclusions and blemishes under 10x magnification. VS1 / VS2 diamonds may

have inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification, but a highly trained jeweler may

or may not be able to see them. SI1 / SI2 diamonds may or may not have inclusions that are

visible to the naked eye. I1-I3 stones have inclusions and blemishes that are easily visible.

Cut

Some people mistake a diamond’s cut for its shape. A diamond’s shape is described by round,

pear, heart, oval, etc. A diamond’s cut refers to its symmetry, polish, and proportioning. The cut

is a very important feature because it determines how much luminosity a diamond will give off.

After a diamond is mined, it doesn’t appear like an individual may see one in a showcase of a

jewelry store. They are irregular, dirty, and may look like rocks. Laboratories use strict computer

aided designs and lasers to cut the diamond into perfect proportions to give off the sparkle that is

desired. Diamonds that are cut as close as possible to perfect proportions fetch much higher

values.

Gemological Laboratories

I know many people may not want to hear the word “laboratories” because it reminds them of

their Freshman year chemistry lab, but we promise that these labs are a little different. You also

won’t have to participate in any experiments. Laboratories exist around the globe that are

dedicated to the study and research of gemstones. The aim of these labs is to create standards by

which to assess and grade diamonds since they are valuable. Some laboratories may have

different standards, but the connotation is all the same. Colorless diamonds are worth more, as

are diamonds without inclusions and blemishes. The most highly esteemed lab that people hear

about is Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Diamond Fundamentals Chart Page 3