Ideal Cut

The quality factors of Cut, Color, and Clarity can dramatically affect the beauty and value of a diamond. Because of cutting, diamonds with the same color and clarity grades can vary in value by as much as 50% or more. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a credentialed gemologist before purchasing any diamond.

The cut or proportions of a diamond dramatically affects both how much the diamond weighs and how well it reflects light. When a round brilliant diamond has been cut to “Ideal” proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to behold.

The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the ultimate in luster and beauty.

When a diamond is cut to ideal proportion, all of the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes and rainbow colors.





Carat

Diamonds are sold by weight in carats. The heavier the diamond, the more valuable it is. But bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Quality is found in diamonds of all sizes

carat

The carat weight sacrificed for the purpose of good to ideal proportions also factors into the price. In the illustration to the right, the shaded portion represents wasted crystal. All three are one carat diamonds; however, the two on the right are poorly proportioned and thus much less expensive.






Color

Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have a slight tone of yellow or brown. As these tones become more apparent, the rarity and cost decrease. A diamonds color grade is defined by a letter ranging from "D - Z" -- "D" being colorless and "Z" being fancy yellow.




Clarity

Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond’s clarity grade and thus its cost. One unique advantage of the Ideal Cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable inclusions.

FL - IF
VVS 1 -VVS 2
VS 1 - VS 2
SI 1 - SI 2
I 1 - I 3
No inclusions visible by an expert under 10X magnification.
FL=Flawless
IF=Internally Flawless
Minute-extremely difficult to find under 10X magnification.
VVS=Very, Very Slight inclusions
Minor-Difficult to
find under 10X magnification.
VS=Very Slight inclusions
Noticeable, relatively easy to find under 10X magnification.
SI=Slight Inclusions
Obvious under 10X magnification-usually to the naked eye.
I=Included