About Diamonds

The clarity scale measures the presence or absence of inclusions/flaws in a diamond. These may include cracks and non-diamond mineral inclusions  the birthmarks in the diamonds, if you will — as well as human-caused chips and abrasions. Typical inclusions include feathers, carbon, and crystals.

An important consideration when evaluating the clarity of the diamond you desire is the location of these inclusions. Look for stones with the inclusions buried deep within the diamond and not on the surface of the diamond. 

We’re not talking here about fancy colors like yellow or pink, which can be natural or produced in the laboratory, but simply the presence or absence of tinting in an otherwise colorless or white diamond. Color tinting usually appears as yellowish, grayish or brownish.

The absence of color helps the stone appear brighter and makes it more valuable. The color of stones up to grade I is nearly undetectable to the untrained eye.

As the color of a stone reaches the JKL grade, color will start to be noticeable to the untrained eye and the stone will be less valuable. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, once the color of a stone reaches the "fancy" range (for example, canary yellow) the value scale begins to swing the other way and these fine fancy stones can be quite expensive.

Cut is the most controversial and hotly debated aspect of diamond grading. It can be very subjective and much more difficult to quantify than the other C’s. Whereas a discussion of cut can be as simple as describing a round brilliant versus a marquise, the debate gets considerably more intense when the subject turns to the best way to execute any particular cut, especially when it comes to the round brilliant which is hands down the most popular diamond shape.

Proportion is the most important aspect of the round brilliant as it determines the ability of the stone to return light to the viewer’s eye  the "sparkle". A stone with proportions that run too shallow or too deep can bleed light and appear less brilliant. A stone that is ideally cut will return light so well that you might think it has its own internal light source.

The way a diamond is cut directly affects brilliance the sparkle we all look for in diamonds. There is a point at which a very badly proportioned diamond becomes lifeless and dull next to one that has a careful balance between crown and pavilion, and a table size that is not too big or too small.

A round brilliant cut is the most popular shape because the balance that creates brilliance is most consistent. Fancy shapes, like the marquis, heart and pear shapes are inherently more difficult to cut to achieve maximum brilliance. Emerald cuts and asscher cuts will never have the brilliance achieved by rounds or princess cuts simply because they have fewer facets and cannot reflect light as effectively, instead they display a kind of subtle glow. But all of these shapes and cuts have charms beyond cold hard facts. Don’t be afraid to be different.

This is meant to give you a very basic understanding of what affects the price of a diamond. Elyse would welcome the opportunity to further explain the 4Cs without any obligation. She has been trained by G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America) to grade diamonds using the high standards for which this institution is famous. Call and make an appointment with her at 541-389-2901. Our large inventory of gemstones and diamonds makes it possible for her to show you a selection to choose from while honoring your budget.