Four factors are used to judge the quality of diamonds. These are the "4 C’s": cut, clarity, color and carat weight. The information below will describe what each of the C's means and how it affects the value of the diamond.

The Ideal Cut

When a round brilliant diamond has been cut to "Ideal" proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to behold. The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the ultimate in lustre and beauty.

When a diamond is cut to the ideal proportions, all of the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes and rainbow colors.

Proportions of the Ideal Cut

THE IDEAL CUT Light entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top only

Premium Cut

A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a diamond's reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious balance between it's proportions and the display of brilliance.

Proportions of the Ideal Cut

Ideal Proportions

Inferior Proportions

Inferior Cut

Most diamonds are "spread" in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the original rough. A heavier diamond will result, but at a dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and brilliance.

	TOO DEEP When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark
	TOO SHALLOW When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond will appear watery, glassy and dark

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Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease.

Ideal cutting dramatizes the rare splendor of a diamond because it produces such dazzling brilliance.

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Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity grade and affect its cost.

One unique advantage of the Ideal Cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable inclusions.

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The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called "points,' 1 ct. =1.00; 1/2 ct. = 0.50. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the cut. Below are two identical pieces of rough, (uncut diamonds) each of the same quality and value.

Example 1. From one piece of rough a diamond has been cut to Ideal proportions, retaining a weight of one carat. The light is totally reflected through the top.

Example 2. The second piece of rough has been "spread" in its cutting, resulting in a diamond weighing approximately 1.40 ct. Note: The girdle is thicker, the table is much larger, the angles are exaggerated, all at the expense of that diamond's ability to reflect light.

Therefore, one can see that the value of a diamond can vary as much as 40% in the cutting alone.

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Gemstones

Discover our vast array of unusual gems available for use in jewelry and for collecting.

Fine gemstones of natural origin offer a never-ending world or beauty, rarity, romance, and mysticism that only nature can create. The variety of shapes and colors (single, various, and multi) available opens an infinite range of fashion statements for you. Traditional shapes include round, oval, pear, marquise, and emerald cuts. Other popular styles of colored gemstones include the versatile cabochon (rounded, non-faceted forms) and fancy cuts (sculpted gemstones) which offer incredible diversity and unique shapes.