Education
Clarity
The "clearness" of a diamond. The clarity grade assigned to a diamond is determined by the number, size, and location of internal inclusions within a diamond. The GIA, AGSL and GSL all use a standardized clarity scale to determine the grade of a diamond.
Diamonds are clarity graded at 10x magnification. Meaning, if the inclusion cannot be seen at 10x magnification, it does not affect the grade.
Flawless/Internally Flawless: Free from all inclusions or blemishes/No inclusions visible at 10x magnification
VVS1/VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are extremely difficult to locate at 10x magnification by a skilled grader
VS1/VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x magnification by a skilled grader
SI1/SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are easy to somewhat easy to locate at 10x magnification by a skilled grader
I1/I2/I3 (Included): Inclusions are obvious at 10x magnification. Inclusions will be visible to the unaided eye
Color
Color describes the amount of color a diamond has. The scale used for white diamonds begins at "D" (colorless) and ends at "Z" (light yellow). Fancy colored diamonds like blues and pinks are extremely rare and valuable, and are graded using a completely different scale.
Carat
Carat is a standardized measurement for gemstones (including diamonds). 1 carat weighs 1/5 of a gram (200 milligrams).
Cut
The shape and quality of a diamond's cut determines how much light and sparkle the diamond has. The factors that determine diamond cut are: proportion, symmetry and finish.
Proportion refers to the angles and measurements of a polished diamond. Proportion is the most important factor in determining the quality of a diamond's cut. Slight differences in the proportions of a diamond can have a dramatic impact on its appearance.
The more symmetrical a diamond is, the more uniform the return of light will be.
Finish determines the quality of the polish and the precision of the cut.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence is visible light emitted by electrons when a diamond is excited by higher energy source (Ultra Violet light or X-rays).
Exposure to UV light will cause diamonds to give off a distinctive glowing coloration. Fluorescence can be displayed in various shades with blue being the most common in diamonds. The visible effects of fluorescence grades of faint, negligible, medium, Strong and Very Strong can only be detected by a trained gemologist. A fluorescence grade of Very Strong can make a near-colorless diamond look even whiter and it may also give the diamond a faint hazy or oily appearance. These diamonds are less desirable. It is known that prices are often lower for diamonds with Strong or Very Strong fluorescence. Rest assure while shopping at Diamond.ca, all our diamond inventory has been examined and graded by the best laboratories in the diamond industry.
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