Diamond Grading

Diamond grading is performed at one of the many different laboratories around the world, as well as by smaller independent and less recognized companies. The purpose is to have a professional expert examine a diamond and place it into a category which the layman can use as a guide to compare diamonds of similar qualities.

In fact no two diamonds are exactly the same, but it gives a sense of reassurance of what is being purchased. Your diamond should come with a laboratory certificate indicating the cut, colour, clarity grade and the weight of your diamond. Additionally you will normally receive information relating to the proportions, blemishes, symmetry of the cut, fluorescence and other notes appertaining to your diamond.

Diamonds are graded based on the following four criteria.

• Cut
• Clarity
• Color
• Carat weight
• Certificates

These are the criteria jewelers use when grading diamonds, and they're the ones you'll need to understand to buy the right diamond for you.

Cut

Cut is probably the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut. Read more about diamond cut...

Clarity

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. Read more about diamond clarity...

Color

Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. Read more about diamond color...

Carat Weight

A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentionaly to its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding of what a carat is and how it affects the appearance of a diamond. Read more about diamond carat weight...

Certificates

The diamond certificate, which is sometimes called a grading report, is a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional with the help of special gemological instruments. Each stone bears its own recognizable, individual characteristics, which is listed on the certificate. Read more about diamond certificates...