Diamond Facts

Before you start looking you should first arm yourself with some necessary information. All diamonds are not created equal. Many factors come together to make up the diamond that is right for you. Whether you like a certain shape or color or you need a specific price Benjamin Jewelers has the diamond that is perfect for you! Use the information below to build a foundation of diamond knowledge that will help you find the perfect stone for you or someone you love.

The Four C’s

Diamonds are rated and compared based on four main categories. They are Carat weight, Clarity, Color and Cut. Each category places a diamond on a certain place in the Diamond Quality Pyramid. This is a framework that helps us compare how rare a diamond in comparison with others. Here is what you should know about each category.

Carat

The larger the diamond the more rare it is. A diamond’s size is measured in carat weight and each carat is equal to 100 points. Example: A .75 is the same as a 75 point diamond or a ¾ carat stone.

Clarity

The purer the diamond the more brilliant it appears in the light. Nearly all diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under a jewelers magnifying scope natural phenomena, called inclusions, may be seen. These are knows as “nature’s birthmarks.” They may look like crystals, clouds or feathers. Diamonds are rated based on the number and size of these inclusions. Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. The larger the inclusion the lower the grade making the diamond less rare and lower on the Diamond Quality Pyramid Inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1 or I2. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through a diamond, dimming its brilliance and sparkle. This also dims its value.

Color

The more pure the color in a diamond, the more rare it is. Diamonds are graded by color starting at D and continuing through the alphabet. D graded diamonds are truly colorless, more rare and are found highest on the Diamond Quality pyramid. Many diamonds may look colorless but may actually have subtle yellow or brown tones. They can still be beautiful diamonds but they are less rare and therefore less valuable. “Natural Fancy” diamonds that appear in colors that include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow are highly prized and particularly rare.

Cut

The better cut a diamond, the more brilliant it is. A well cut or faceted diamond regardless of its shape offers more brilliance and value. Nature determines a diamonds carat weight, clarity and color. A master craftsman must release the sparkle and beauty of the diamond by cutting it to good proportions so that light will reflect from one mirror like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the top or bottom. This makes these poorly cut stones less brilliant, less rare, and less valuable.

Diamond Shape

Diamonds come in many shapes that are appealing to many. Whether it’s set in an engagement ring or hangs delicately from a necklace a diamond makes a different statement with each shape. Here are some of the most common diamond shapes found today.

Round Brilliant
Oval
Pear
Marquise
Princess
Heart
Emerald
Flanders Brilliant
Trilliant