The 4 C's of a Diamond
Cut
Perfecting the Craft of Lab-Grown Diamond Cutting
In the realm of lab-grown diamond grading, cut quality reigns supreme. Seasoned lab-grown diamond manufacturers recognize that the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond depend on the exactness of its cut. Meticulously categorized into various grades, fancy-cut lab-grown diamonds allow customers to evaluate and admire the cut quality. These grades serve as crucial indicators in defining the distinct cut of each diamond.
Excellent
'Excellent' cut diamonds reflects the maximum amount of brilliance and fire. It reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond, creating exceptional sparkle and life.
Very Good
'Very Good' cut diamond properly reflects most of the light that enters the diamond, producing superior fire and brilliance. Under normal lighting conditions, an excellent cut is reflected in Lab Grown Diamonds at wholesale price.
Good
Reflects a majority of the light that enters the diamond, for an above average appearance. An excellent value compared to higher cut grades.
Fair/Poor
Allows much of the light entering the diamond to escape from the sides or bottom, reducing perceived fire and brilliance. More acceptable in diamonds weighing less than 0.75 carats, where differences in sparkle are more difficult to perceive. The diamond may appear noticeably dull and lifeless, even to an untrained eye.
Color
When it comes to diamond color, it is evaluated on a scale ranging from D to Z. A diamond with a D rating is considered flawless and colorless, while a diamond with a Z rating tends to have a slight yellowish tint. Although the D-Z scale is widely used, it's worth noting that in longer diamond shapes such as oval and radiant, color variations can be more noticeable. Nevertheless, it's important to keep in mind that diamond color is mainly a matter of personal preference and doesn't necessarily reflect the diamond's quality.
Refining the Methodology of Diamond Color Grading
To accurately grade a diamond's color, it's crucial to examine it in isolation as the setting metal can influence our perception of its hue. For example, a slightly yellow diamond might appear more vibrant when set in yellow gold but less so in white gold or platinum settings.
During the grading process, the diamond is positioned table-down and pavilion up, then examined under a 10X loupe. Graders use a lettering system from D to Z to evaluate the degree of color present in each diamond. The coveted 'D' grade is reserved for exceptionally rare completely colorless diamonds.
Diamond color grades fall into distinct groups: Colorless diamonds and those exhibiting yellow or yellowish-brown tones. These categories do not encompass fancy colored diamonds, which have their own unique grading system.
Color Grades:
- D, E, F: Colorless
- G, H, I, J: Near Colorless
- K, L, M: Faint
- N to R: Very Light
- S to Z: Light
Clarity
Clarity is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating diamonds. It refers to the presence of internal or external flaws that can be detected under magnification. These imperfections, which may include natural marks, feathers, pinpoints, and clouds, are generally regarded as undesirable since they can detract from the diamond's overall beauty and brilliance.
Flawless (without inclusions or imperfections)
"Flawless" for diamonds refers to a gemstone that is completely free from any inclusions or imperfections when viewed under 10x magnification, signifying exceptional clarity and purity.
Flawless (IF)
"Flawless (IF)" denotes a diamond that is Internally Flawless, meaning it has no internal imperfections or inclusions visible under 10x magnification. This grade represents the highest level of clarity, showcasing the diamond's exceptional purity and brilliance.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
"Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)" describes diamonds with minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. These diamonds exhibit exceptional clarity and brilliance, making them highly desirable and valuable.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
VS1 and VS2 diamonds have minor inclusions visible only under 10x magnification, maintaining excellent clarity and brilliance.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
SI1 and SI2 diamonds feature noticeable inclusions visible under magnification but still offer good value with decent clarity and brilliance.
Included (I1, I2, and I3) (with inclusions or imperfect)
I1, I2, and I3 diamonds display visible inclusions or imperfections, impacting clarity and brilliance.
Carat
Understanding Lab-Grown Diamond Carat Weight
"When it comes to lab-grown diamonds and other gemstones, carat weight stands out as the most straightforward 'C' to grasp. Carat serves as a unit of weight directly correlated with the gem's size, albeit these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Its origins trace back to the measurement of small weights using an ancient 'Carob' seed. Below is a table detailing common weight-related terms:
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One Carat equals 0.200 grams (5 carats in 1 gram and 142 carats in 1 ounce).
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A carat is divided into 100 parts, each referred to as a point. Thus,
- 1 Carat = 100 points
- Three Quarter Carat = 75 points
- Half Carat = 50 points
- Quarter Carat = 25 points"
