What are Diamond Grades?

When people talk about purchasing diamonds, they use the term “grade” to refer to the quality of the diamond. There are various criteria are considered when deciding on diamond grades. A diamond “grade” is not a single mark, but takes into account different qualities, often referred to as “The 4Cs.” These include: clarity, cut, color and carat. A Diamond grades are determined according to each individual category, the final “grade” and comes with a general quality rating, like grades on a report card.

The highest diamond grades for clarity are those which lack imperfections and are flawless, not only to the naked eye, but with viewing equipment. Before a diamond grades are established, the stones are washed clean of dust with soapy water, since plain water tends to bead. The diamond is held up to the light and viewed under magnification equipment to determine the diamond’s clarity. A truly flawless diamond, a rare find indeed, is given the rating “IF.” Diamonds with extremely small imperfections that can hardly be seen are given the rating VVS or VVS2. High quality diamonds with tiny flaws are given a grade of VS1 or VS2. Imperfect diamonds are given the ratings I1, I2 or I3.

Diamond grades based on the cut of a diamond an aspect that does not have to do with the inherent value of the diamond, but it is essential, nonetheless. This rating does not depend only on the shape into which the diamond is cut, but how much detail is crafted onto the diamond. The most valuable cut is round. Other cuts are also in high demand, like the pear or the princess. A diamond can also be cut in an oval, heart or an emerald-shape.

The perfect diamond is colorless and absolutely clear. The highest of the diamond grades is “D” for color. The lowest diamond grades for the color range from S to Z for various shades of yellow. K-M are slightly tinted, and G-J have a barely detectible tint. It is interesting that “D” is the highest grade of diamond for color. The reason for this, according to gemologist Richard Liddicoat, is to prevent advertisers from using the term “grade A” about a diamond which does not deserve that ranking. Therefore, gemologists purposely chose a low-sounding grade, like “D” to rank diamonds.

One of the most familiar terms used in the diamond industry is “carat.” This refers to the size of the diamond. Generally, the larger the diamond, the more it is worth, but this is just a generalization; a large diamond that is yellow and has imperfections will be worth less than a tiny, clear, flawless diamond. Each carat is subdivided into points, and the size and weight of the diamond are taken into consideration.

When choosing a diamond, you will want to consider all of these factors that go into grading a diamond. Some categories may be more essential to you than others. For instance, you may prefer a pear-shaped diamond to a perfectly round one, even though the latter is more valuable. Some consumers may not mind a slight tint to their diamonds, or prefer smaller stones. However, clarity is an important quality in any diamond, and the clearer the diamond, the more it will sparkle.

http://www.ediamondco.com/diamond_grades.htm
http://www.nydex.com/grade.cfm