4C's of diamond quality

Carat measures weight, not size. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat is subdivided into 100 points, allowing for measurement to the hundredth decimal place. Carat weight can be measured to the thousandth decimal place for rounding purposes.

Example: A 0.50 carat (50 point) diamond weighs 100 milligrams, or 0.1 gram.

Diamonds actually come in a variety of hues, from colorless to yellow, gray, brown and nearly every shade of the rainbow. Luckily, diamond color isn’t a matter of opinion. Proper color evaluation is a matter of expertise.

The correct way to evaluate diamond color is in precise conditions, under controlled lighting, where stones are compared to masterstones with established color grades.

Once properly evaluated, color is documented based on the GIA D-to-Z Color Scale. From D for colorless to Z for light.

Every diamond is unique. Formed by extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth, it isn’t uncommon for diamonds to contain birthmarks. These clarity characteristics are created when small crystals are trapped in the diamond. As they grow, pressure and stress can cause inclusions and blemishes – sometimes only visible under a microscope.

The clarity of a diamond is based on the size, location, visibility and number of inclusions or blemishes.

Internal and surface reaching characteristics are called inclusions.

External features are called blemishes.

Cut is how well a diamond's facets, proportions and polish return light: its sparkle and fire. Every diamond we set is cut to GIA Excellent, the top grade.