Diamond Consulting

How to Compare Diamonds

The most important aspect of any diamond engagement ring is the message that it conveys to a woman's heart. No matter the budget, the message will always be the same. It is an extraordinary gift of love.

However, in order to determine the diamond attributes which fall within your budget range, it is important to have a clear understanding of the 4 c's (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight). The 4 c's are the four attributes used to help you compare diamonds and establish your price parameters.

How to compare diamond Color:

On the GIA grading scale below, diamonds are categorized based upon the presence or absence of Color. Diamonds graded D-F fall within the colorless range. These diamonds are considered the finest and most rare, therefore they are the most expensive. Diamonds graded G-I fall within the near-colorless range. This indicates that these diamonds appear white in color. Diamonds graded J begin to show a tinge of color which increases in grades K-M and even more so in grades N-Z. The presence of color however will not affect the brightness or sparkle of a diamond.

How to compare diamond Clarity:

On the GIA grading scale below, diamonds are categorized based upon the presence of "visible" flaws. Flaws (or inclusions) do not generally detract from the overall beauty of a diamond because it may require magnification to see them. In other words, inclusions may not be visible to the unaided eye. However, diamond grades I1, I2 and I3 are considered to have "visible" inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. The fewer and less visible the flaws, the higher the value of the diamond.

How to compare diamond Cut, Symmetry and Polish:

A diamond's Cut is what gives it its beauty and brilliance. It is considered to be the most important attribute. As illustrated in the photo below, an excellent cut diamond reflects a brilliant light internally streaming out and then returning back through the top of the stone to the viewer's eye. A diamond which is poorly cut will not return back to the viewer's eye but instead will leak out the bottom and sides as illustrated in the photo below.

Symmetry also plays an important role in a diamond's beauty and brilliance. When the facets of a diamond are lined up accurately, more light is returned to the viewer's eye. A well Polished diamond will also reflect more light and brilliance to the eye of the viewer. Your Diamond Certificate will include the Symmetry and Polish ratings of Poor to Excellent.

Although nature will determine the raw qualities of a diamond, a master cutter will bring out the stone's ultimate brilliance and beauty. This extraordinary journey from a natural phenomenon to a skillfully crafted diamond then becomes an extraordinary gift of love and a promise of life's own journey together.

Diamond Value

Each diamond is unique and reflects your personal taste. When shopping for a diamond, it is important to understand the following attributes in order to make the best possible decision for you.

Diamond Clarity

IF (Internally Flawless) Internally flawless diamonds have no inclusions and only insignificant blemishes on the surface under 10xs magnification

VVS1-VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included) Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. These are outstanding quality diamonds.

VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included) Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. These are excellent quality diamonds.

SI1-SI3 (Slightly Included) Diamonds with inclusions easily identified under 10x magnification. Finding flaws in this category with the unaided eye is difficult. The gems in this category maintain their integrity, depending on the location of the inclusions.

I1-I3 (Included) Diamonds with inclusions which may or may not be easily seen by the unaided eye. The flaws on the stones in this category may have some effect on the brilliance of your diamond.

We provide clients with full service one-on-one diamond consultation with unique jewelry expertise. Customers have a personal gemologist only a call away. Make an appointment today. 1-855-MOI-JEWL FREE or email us at info@moijey.com.