Beginners guide to Diamond
Diamond Grades & Ratings
Here at Cortes we understand shopping for a diamond can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience.
For that reason, we developed a beginner's guide to understanding diamond grades and ratings. We want to help you make a confident and informed purchase. Learn about the 4Cs of diamond quality:
Diamond Cut
Cut is the most important factor, as it influences how much a diamond sparkles. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, making it more brilliant. The cut is graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor, and it considers the diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond maximizes light return, ensuring superior brilliance and fire. Ideal cuts are found in round brilliant diamonds, though other shapes like princess, cushion, and oval can also exhibit excellent sparkle when cut well.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat weight determines a diamond’s size, but bigger isn’t always better—cut quality plays a crucial role in overall beauty. One carat equals 0.2 grams, and while larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable, the way a diamond is cut can make it appear bigger or smaller. Two diamonds of the same carat weight can look different in size if one has a deeper cut and the other a shallower cut. It's essential to balance carat weight with cut quality to ensure the best visual appeal.
Diamond Clarity
Clarity measures internal and external imperfections called inclusions and blemishes. The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity grade. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1-I3). Flawless diamonds have no visible inclusions even under 10x magnification, whereas Included diamonds have visible imperfections that can affect transparency and brilliance. VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) and VS (Very Slightly Included) diamonds offer an excellent balance between clarity and value, with inclusions that are difficult to see without magnification.
Diamond Color Grading
Diamond color grading ranges from D (colorless) to Z (visible color), with colorless diamonds being the most valuable. Color is assessed by comparing the diamond to master stones under controlled lighting conditions. While D-F diamonds are completely colorless, diamonds in the G-J range may have slight warmth, which is often undetectable to the naked eye. Fancy-colored diamonds, such as blue, pink, and yellow, have their own unique grading scale and can be more valuable due to their rarity.
More Key Advice
When buying a diamond, diamond certification is essential. The most trusted grading lab is the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which provides an unbiased diamond grading report detailing the diamond’s 4Cs and other characteristics. Other reputable certification bodies include the American Gem Society (AGS) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
Beyond the 4Cs, other factors such as diamond fluorescence, symmetry, and polish can affect a diamond’s appearance. The shape of a diamond, such as round, princess, or cushion, also impacts its beauty and price. Always compare diamonds under different lighting conditions and ensure you purchase from a reputable jeweler who provides certification and a return policy.
Many buyers wonder if bigger diamonds are better, but the truth is that a well-cut diamond with excellent clarity and color can be far more stunning than a larger diamond with flaws. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and durability as natural diamonds at a lower price, making them a popular choice among modern consumers.
By prioritizing diamond quality, certification, and trusted grading reports, you can confidently find a diamond that truly shines and fits your budget.
