Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Quality Guide

Posted by on Nov 8, 2010 in | 0 comments

Benefits | In-Store advantage | Conflict Free | Our Diamonds | Socially Responsible

The 4 Cs are a universal grading system for comparing the quality of diamonds. Use this guide to select the diamond that is right for you.

Color

Diamond Color
There are 23 color classifications for white diamonds from D to Z, with D being the most rare.

Clarity

Diamond Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is judged by examining a diamond under 10 power magnification.

FL-IF . No inclusions visible (by an expert) under 10x magnification. (FL=Flawless, IF=Internally Flawless).

VVS1-VVS2 . Minute-extremely difficult to find under 10x. (VVS=Very, very slight inclusions).

VS1-VS2 . Minor-difficult to find under 10x. (VS=very slight inclusions).

SI1-SI2 . Noticeable, relatively easy to find under 10x. (SI=Small inclusions).

I1-I2 . Obvious under 10x- Just visible to the naked eye. (I1=Imperfect).

Cut

There are two aspects to cut. The diamond’s shape & its craftsmanship or make.

Diamond Shapes
Diamond Shapes
Round Brilliant, Emerald, Oval, Pear Shape, & Princess.

The Make
Diamond Make
The cut or make of the diamond is what gives the diamond its fire, sparkle and brilliance. Though extremely difficult to analyze or quantify, the cut of any diamond has three attributes: brilliance (the total light reflected from a diamond), fire (the dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum), and scintillation (the flashes of light, or sparkle, when a diamond is moved).

Every diamond in this collection has been carefully inspected by experienced experts for its outstanding cut.

Too Deep
Diamonds cut too deep will leak light & appear darker & smaller than they should.

Too Shallow
Diamonds cut too shallow will appear glassy & lifeless.

Excellent Cut
Diamonds cut to the proper proportions will reflect and refract light in a vivid display of Brilliance, Scintillation and Fire.

Carat

Diamond Carat
These sizes are for comparison purposes only. Diamond sizes will vary depending on display settings.