Diamond Buying Guide

Cut.

The cut of a diamond refers to the proportions. Quite often the cut of a diamond is confused with its shape. Diamonds are cut into various shapes depending upon the original form of the uncut diamond, which is referred to as “rough.” Whatever the shape, a well-cut diamond is better able to reflect light. When a diamond is cut to proper proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. The grades of cut are Ideal, Excellent, and Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor.

Shape

This refers to the basic form of a diamond, for example: pear or oval shaped. The right shape for you is only your preference. Common shapes that are available are Round brilliant cut, Princess cut, Emerald / Octagonal cut, Marquise, Pear, Oval or Heart shape.

The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond. The girdle is rated in terms of thickness. Girdle size is generally defined as either Extremely Thin, Very Thin, Thin, Medium, Slightly Thick, Thick, Very Thick, or Extremely Thick. Culet
The culet is the bottom point of the diamond. The culet is generally graded as None or Pointed, Very Small, Small, Medium, Slightly Large, Large, Very Large, and Extremely Large. 

Polish
This refers to the finish or final polishing of the facets. This is generally defined as either Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, or Excellent. 

Symmetry
This characteristic refers to the positioning and alignment of the facets. The symmetry is generally defined as either Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, or Excellent. 

Fluorescence
Fluorescence refers to the diamond’s ability to fluoresce under an ultraviolet light.The fluorescence of a diamond is defined by its intensity as either None, Faint, Medium, Strong, or Very Strong. 

Colour

The best is no colour. The best colour is D. It is always best to compare diamonds graded by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Hoge Raad Voor Diamant (HRD) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI) 

Clarity

Almost all diamonds contain some natural inclusions. The fewer the imperfections, the more valuable and rare the stone is. Clarity is graded using a method of evaluating the size, location, and visibility of inclusions. 

Carat weight

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The larger the diamond the more it weighs. One carat is divided into 100 points. A diamond weighing half a carat can also be described as weighing 0.25carats (0.25ct) or 50 points (50pt)