S E R G I O ' S   F I N E  J E W E L R Y                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Diamonds

 

A diamond --from ancient Greek adamas, meaning "unbreakable", "proper", or "unalterable"-- is one of the best known and most sought-after gemstones.  Due to his hardness and its high dispersion of light, it makes the diamond very desirable in jewelry.  Diamonds are such a highly traded commodity that multiple organizations have been created for grading and certifying them based on the four C's, which are color, cut, clarity and carat.

 

Color

 

The color of a diamond is determined by GIA a grade scale:

• D, E, F: colorless

• G, H: near colorless

• I, J: near colorless slightly tinted

• K, L, M: faint color

• N-R: very light color

• S-Z: light color

• Fancy: yellow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut

 

The cut of a diamond determines the brilliance; how well the diamond's facets interact with light.  GIA cut grade scale:

• Excellent

• Very good

• Good

• Fair

• Poor

 

Clarity

 

The clarity of a diamond is determined by the amount of inclusions -internal characteristics- and blemishe -externals characteristics.  While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher the value.  GIA clarity grade scale:

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions and no blemishes under 10x magnification

• Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions under 10x magnification

• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification 

• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor

• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification

• Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

 

Carat Weight

 

The carat weight of a diamond is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs.  A metric "carat" is defined as 200 milligrams.  Each carat can be subdivided into 100 'points.'  This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place.