Shape
Shape refers to the appearance of the center stone. Most diamond shapes are Round, Square (Princess, Asscher, Cushion, Radiant), Rectangular ( Emerald, Elongated Radiant, Elongated Cushion), Heart-shaped, Pear-shaped (also known as tear-drop), Oval, or Marquise (like an Oval but pointed on both ends).
Carat Size
Carat weight refers not to the size of the stone, but the weight of it; two stones may have identical carat weights but have different length x width measurements depending on the cut. If you want to choose a smaller carat weight stone, opt for a higher cut grade, as this will make the stone appear larger. When selecting a stone for a specific budget, try to go slightly under a full or half carat weight, because prices jump at those sizes. For example, a 1.9ct stone will cost less than a 2.0ct, and because carat weight is distributed across the entirety of the diamond, that size difference would be nearly impossible to detect.
Color
White diamonds range from D-F (colorless), G-H (near colorless & very difficult to detect), I-J (near colorless with slightly detectable warmth), K-Z (noticeable color). Color presents itself as a pale yellow. With Fancy Color diamonds, the intense grades will be the most color saturated.
Price
Price range for ring and accessory items are without stones set. Price range for loose stones reflect just the stone, not the ring or accessory added.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the tiny inclusions (blemishes) in a stone, and whether or not they are visible to the naked eye. Eye-clean diamonds, which are those without visible inclusions, will fall into the range of VVS1-SI1. As long as you choose a stone within that range, you will not need to worry about seeing inclusions, especially if you are selecting a stone with a higher cut grade.
Cut
The Cut of a diamond is the greatest influencer on the sparkle and brilliance of the stone, which is the first thing we see when looking at a diamond. A poorly cut diamond will appear dull and lifeless even if it is at the upper end of the color and clarity scales. As a general rule of thumb, stick with cut grades of Very Good or higher; the higher the Cut grade you choose, the lower you can go in the other C's without it significantly affecting the beauty of the stone.
Quality
Do you prioritize the diamond's quality or size first? Let us help you find the perfect diamond by selecting what is most important to you.
Superior Quality: D-F Color, IF-VVS2 Clarity, and Ideal Cut lab grown diamonds are considered superior quality.
Bigger Diamond: If you prefer a larger carat weight, this selection will filter larger diamond sizes within your carat weight range with the best price points.
| Shape | Carat | Cut | Color | Clarity | Price |
|---|
Shape
Shape refers to the appearance of the center stone. Most diamond shapes are Round, Square (Princess, Asscher, Cushion, Radiant), Rectangular ( Emerald, Elongated Radiant, Elongated Cushion), Heart-shaped, Pear-shaped (also known as tear-drop), Oval, or Marquise (like an Oval but pointed on both ends).
Carat Size
Carat weight refers not to the size of the stone, but the weight of it; two stones may have identical carat weights but have different length x width measurements depending on the cut. If you want to choose a smaller carat weight stone, opt for a higher cut grade, as this will make the stone appear larger. When selecting a stone for a specific budget, try to go slightly under a full or half carat weight, because prices jump at those sizes. For example, a 1.9ct stone will cost less than a 2.0ct, and because carat weight is distributed across the entirety of the diamond, that size difference would be nearly impossible to detect.
Color
White diamonds range from D-F (colorless), G-H (near colorless & very difficult to detect), I-J (near colorless with slightly detectable warmth), K-Z (noticeable color). Color presents itself as a pale yellow. With Fancy Color diamonds, the intense grades will be the most color saturated.
D E F
Colorless
G H I
Near Colorless
J K L
Slight Color
Diamonds are valued for their lack of color, so the price increases the closer it gets to colorless.
Price
Price range for ring and accessory items are without stones set. Price range for loose stones reflect just the stone, not the ring or accessory added.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the tiny inclusions (blemishes) in a stone, and whether or not they are visible to the naked eye. Eye-clean diamonds, which are those without visible inclusions, will fall into the range of VVS1-SI1. As long as you choose a stone within that range, you will not need to worry about seeing inclusions, especially if you are selecting a stone with a higher cut grade.
Cut
The Cut of a diamond is the greatest influencer on the sparkle and brilliance of the stone, which is the first thing we see when looking at a diamond. A poorly cut diamond will appear dull and lifeless even if it is at the upper end of the color and clarity scales. As a general rule of thumb, stick with cut grades of Very Good or higher; the higher the Cut grade you choose, the lower you can go in the other C's without it significantly affecting the beauty of the stone.
Certified
Diamond grading is the process of evaluating and assigning grades to diamonds based on various criteria that determine their quality and value. Grading involves assessing and quantifying the diamond's characteristics, such as its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These factors are commonly known as the "Four Cs" of diamond grading. Pro Tip: Since the grading of a diamond determines its value, it is very important to purchase a diamond with an independent grading report from an American grading laboratory, such as the GIA or other reputable organizations such as GCal and IGI.
Fancy
Fancy Color diamonds can come in a wide range of colors, including shades of yellow, brown, pink, blue, green, orange, and even rare colors like red and violet. Fancy Color diamonds are graded on a separate color grading scale from colorless diamonds D to Z. The grading system for Fancy Color diamonds includes nine categories: Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Dark, Fancy Deep, Fancy Light Grayish, Fancy Grayish, and Fancy Deep Grayish.
L:W RATIO
The length to width ratio in a diamond refers to the proportionate relationship between the length and width of the diamond's top view. It is a numerical expression that describes the diamond's elongation or compactness. For example, square-shaped diamonds (princess or cushion cuts), with a length to width ratio of around 1.00 to 1.05 indicate a square appearance, while ratios higher than 1.05 start to exhibit a rectangular appearance. The preference for the specific ratio varies based on personal taste, with some individuals favoring longer, slender shapes, and others preferring more balanced or compact proportions.
Table%
The table percentage grading of a diamond refers to the measurement of the table facet (the top flat surface area of the diamond) in relation to the overall diameter of the diamond. The table percentage is considered an important aspect of a diamond's cut quality and can impact its visual appearance. The ideal table percentage can vary depending on the diamond shape, as different shapes have different optimal proportions.
Fluorescence
Diamond fluorescence refers to the visible glow or emission of light that some diamonds exhibit when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This phenomenon is a result of certain trace elements present in the diamond's crystal structure, such as nitrogen. When these elements interact with UV light, they can cause the diamond to emit a visible fluorescence. The intensity of diamond fluorescence is typically described on a scale ranging from None to Very Strong.
Polish
The polish grading of a diamond refers to the assessment of the quality of its surface finish or polish. It evaluates how well the diamond's facets have been polished to create a smooth and reflective surface. The polish grade is an important factor in determining the overall appearance and beauty of a diamond.
Symmetry
The symmetry of a diamond refers to the precision and quality of its cut and the alignment of its facets. It assesses how well the various facets of a diamond are shaped, positioned, and aligned in relation to one another. Symmetry plays a crucial role in the overall appearance, brilliance, and fire of a diamond.
Depth%
The depth percentage of a diamond refers to the measurement of the diamond's depth in relation to its overall diameter. It is expressed as a percentage and helps evaluate the proportions of the diamond. It plays a role in how light interacts with the diamond, affecting its brilliance, fire, and overall sparkle. Different diamond shapes and cutting styles have different optimal depth percentage ranges. For example, it is normal for a Cushion Shape diamond to have more depth than a Round Shape diamond.
Quality
Do you prioritize the diamond's quality or size first? Let us help you find the perfect diamond by selecting what is most important to you.
Superior Quality: D-F Color, IF-VVS2 Clarity, and Ideal Cut lab grown diamonds are considered superior quality.
Bigger Diamond: If you prefer a larger carat weight, this selection will filter larger diamond sizes within your carat weight range with the best price points.
