Grading

IMPORTANT NOTE - The grading of diamonds slightly differs between cut (polished) and uncut (rough) diamonds.

Cut (Polished) Diamonds

Most people will have heard of the "4Cs" of diamonds - this relates to the CUT, CARAT, COLOUR and CLARITY of a diamond. The "4Cs" are the international diamond grading system which is used across the world today. Of these "4Cs", no one "C" is more important than another in terms of contributing to the beauty of the diamond, and it is important to note that each of the "4Cs" will not diminish in value over time unless damaged by an accident. Remember that buying a diamond is an investment, since it maintains its qualities and value forever.

CUT
The cut is most commonly also referred to as the actual shape of the diamond, the most popular being round brilliant cut diamonds. However, other "fancy" shapes have recently grown in popularity such as the princess cut, emerald cut, marquise cut and oval cut for example. Each shape has its own unique style and merits, although much rests on the individual preference of the consumer.

CARAT
Carat is the universal measurement for diamond weight, not to be confused with the physical sizes, although the two of course go hand-in-hand with each other.

Diamonds are rare. The larger the diamond, the rarer it is - larger diamonds, therefore, have a greater value per carat. For that reason, the price of a diamond rises exponentially with its size. As a result, a single diamond of 1.00ct will always be more valuable than the combined value of 2 x 0.50ct diamonds.

COLOUR
Diamond colour starts at D (exceptionally white) and is graded down to Z (yellow). The most valuable diamonds are colourless. However, very few diamonds are colourless, so most diamonds will have some yellow in them, so the less yellow the better.

D - Exceptionally white
E - Exceptionally white
F - Rare white
G - White
H - White
I - Slightly Tinted White
J - Slightly Tinted White
K - Tinted White
L - Tinted White
M - Tinted White
etc

CLARITY
Diamond clarity starts at IF (Internally Flawless) and is graded down to I3 (Included). The clearer the diamond, the greater its brilliance, and the greater its value. Most diamonds will have blemishes - known as "inclusions" - which are nature's birthmark of the stone. These can be tiny black pinpoints, crystals or feathers in the stone which are all naturally occurring phenomena.

IF - Flawless, or Internally Flawless
VVS1 - Very, Very Slightly Included. Requires 60x magnification to see any inclusions.
VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included. Requires 60x magnification to see any inclusions.
VS1 - Very Slightly Included. Requires 30x magnification to see any inclusions.
VS2 - Very Slightly Included. Requires 30x magnification to see any inclusions.
SI1 - Slightly Included. Generally requires 10x magnification to see any inclusions.
SI2 - Slightly Included. Generally requires 10x magnification to see any inclusions.
I1 - Included. Inclusions can be visible with the naked eye.
I2 - Included. Inclusions can be visible with the naked eye.
I3 - Included. Inclusions can be visible with the naked eye.

Uncut (Rough) Diamonds

By their very nature, whilst it is possible to provide an exact carat weight of a rough diamond, it is impossible to determine the precise carat size and quality of the cut, polished diamond that a rough diamond will yield.

Whilst of course the carat weight of a rough diamond can be accurately measured, its quality can only be estimated.

Therefore, our rough diamonds displayed are given an exact carat weight, an estimation of its quality, and an estimation of what the cut diamond could potentially be. With this in mind, the above colour and clarity grades apply.


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